Diabetes

EMERALDMEDICALSERVICE.COM - 5% Off Coupon

Sleep better at night. Back up with Mozy.

Diabetes Defined

Diabetes means your blood glucose (often called blood sugar) is too high. Your blood always has some glucose in it because your body needs glucose for energy to keep you going. But too much glucose in the blood isn't good for your health.

Glucose comes from the food you eat and is also made in your liver and muscles. Your blood carries the glucose to all of the cells in your body. Insulin is a chemical (a hormone) made by the pancreas. The pancreas releases insulin into the blood. Insulin helps the glucose from food get into your cells.

If your body does not make enough insulin or if the insulin doesn't work the way it should, glucose can't get into your cells. It stays in your blood instead. Your blood glucose level then gets too high, causing pre-diabetes or diabetes.

Pre-diabetes means your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and for heart disease and stroke. The good news is that if you have pre-diabetes, you can reduce your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. With modest weight loss and moderate physical activity, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes and even return to normal glucose levels.

Signs of diabetes include being very thirsty, urinating often, feeling very hungry or tired, losing weight without trying, having sores that heal slowly, having dry, itchy skin, losing the feeling in your feet or having tingling in your feet, and having blurry eyesight. However, some people with diabetes do not have signs at all.

Data in 2005, show about 20.8 million Americans, or 7 percent of the population with diabetes. More than fourteen million people have diagnosed diabetes, while an estimated 6.2 million people are undiagnosed. More than 10.3 million people 60 years or older have diabetes. This figure represents 20.9 percent of that age group.

People can get diabetes at any age. There are three main kinds: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. With this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked and destroyed them. About 5 to 10 percent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes or non insulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. People can develop type 2 diabetes at any age -- even during childhood. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which fat, muscle, and liver cells do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals. Being overweight and inactive increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

About 90-95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is also more common in people with a family history of diabetes and in African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Asian and Pacific Islanders.

Some women develop gestational diabetes during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had it and her child are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin. Children of women who have had gestational diabetes are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, especially if they become overweight.

Diabetes is a very serious disease. Over time, diabetes that is not well controlled causes serious damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, gums and teeth. When you have diabetes, you are more than twice as likely as people without diabetes to have a heart disease or a stroke, and your risk of a heart attack or stroke is the same as someone who has already had a heart attack or stroke.

Keeping your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control is the best defense against the serious complications of diabetes, especially heart disease and stroke. People who take steps to control their diabetes can make a big difference in their health.

TOP OF PAGE

VitaminMenu Free Shipping with Categories, Weights and Apple Leader Board 728x90

DIABETES RISK FACTORS & PREVENTION

Diabetes is a serious, life-long disease. It cannot be cured, but control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol can prevent or delay the complications of this disease. A great deal of research is underway to find out exactly what causes diabetes and how to prevent it.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's system for fighting infection -- the immune system -- turns against a part of the body.

At present, scientists do not know exactly what causes the body's immune system to attack the cells, but they believe that both genetic factors and environmental factors, such as viruses, are involved. Studies have begun to try to identify these factors and prevent type 1 diabetes in people at risk.

Type 2 diabetes -- the most common form -- is linked to obesity, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels. About 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Being overweight can keep your body from using insulin properly.

Being over 45 years of age and overweight or obese raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include: having a first-degree relative -- a parent, brother, or sister -- with diabetes, being African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American or Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino.

Other risk factors include:

having gestational diabetes, or giving birth to at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds
having blood pressure of 140/90 or higher, or having been told that you have high blood pressure.
having abnormal cholesterol levels -- an HDL cholesterol level of 35 or lower, or a triglyceride level of 250 or higher
being inactive or exercising fewer than three times a week.
having polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS (women only)
on previous testing, having impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG)
history of cardiovascular disease.

Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they usually have pre-diabetes -- a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.

People with pre-diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes within 10 years and also are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. Pre-diabetes is common in America, according to new estimates. In 2002, about 54 million people in the U.S. had pre-diabetes.

The two most common forms of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Currently, there is no way to delay or prevent type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in people who are at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, a condition called pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes means blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes within 10 years and are also more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.

A recent study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, called the Diabetes Prevention Program, showed that people with pre-diabetes can cut their risk for developing type 2 diabetes in half by losing a modest amount of weight and being more physically active. This means losing 5 to 7 percent of body weight (that's 10 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds) and getting 150 minutes of physical activity a week.

That same study showed that modest weight loss (achieved by following a low calorie, low-fat diet) and moderate physical activity were especially effective in preventing or delaying the development of diabetes in older people. In fact, people over the age of 60 were able to reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes by 71 percent.

Making modest lifestyle changes can often prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in people who are at risk. Here are some tips that may help.

Reach and maintain a reasonable body weight. Your weight affects your health in many ways. Being overweight can keep your body from making and using insulin properly. It can also cause high blood pressure. Recent studies have shown that losing even a modest amount of weight can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

In the Diabetes Prevention Program, people who lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight significantly reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes. So if you weigh 200 pounds, losing only 10 pounds can make a difference.

Make healthy food choices. What you eat has a big impact on your health. By making healthy food choices, you can help control your body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Be physically active every day. Regular exercise tackles several risk factors at once. It helps you lose weight, control your cholesterol and blood pressure, and improve your body's use of insulin. People in the Diabetes Prevention Program study who were physically active 30 minutes a day 5 days a week reduced their weight and risk of type 2 diabetes. Many chose walking for exercise.

Researchers are working hard to uncover the genetic and environmental factors that may put people at risk for obesity, pre-diabetes, and diabetes. As they learn more about the changes in the body that lead to diabetes, researchers may develop ways to prevent and cure the different stages of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

TOP OF PAGE

DIABETES SIGNS & DIAGNOSIS

Diabetes is often called a "silent" disease because many people have no signs or symptoms before they are diagnosed. Symptoms can also be so mild that you might not notice them. More than 6 million people in the United States have type 2 diabetes and do not know it.

The signs of diabetes are

being very thirsty
urinating often
feeling very hungry or tired
losing weight without trying
having sores that heal slowly.
having dry, itchy skin
losing the feeling in your feet or having tingling in your feet
having blurry eyesight.

Signs of type 1 diabetes usually develop over a short period of time. The signs for type 2 diabetes develop more gradually.

Gestational diabetes develops only during pregnancy and usually disappears after delivery. However, women with a history of gestational diabetes and their children have a lifelong risk of developing diabetes later in life.

Doctors use the following tests to diagnose diabetes.

A fasting plasma glucose, or FPG test, measures your blood glucose after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating. Doctors use this test to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.
An oral glucose tolerance test, or OGTT, measures your blood glucose after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating and 2 hours after you drink a sweet beverage. Doctors use this test to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes. Doctors also use the oral glucose tolerance test to diagnose gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
In a random plasma glucose test, your doctor checks your blood glucose without regard to when you ate your last meal. This test, along with an assessment of symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes but not pre-diabetes.

If any of these tests show that you might have diabetes, your doctor will need to repeat the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test on a different day to confirm the diagnosis.

Because type 2 diabetes is more common in older people, especially in people who are overweight, doctors recommend that anyone 45 years of age or older be tested for diabetes. If you are 45 or older and overweight, getting tested is strongly recommended.

Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to pain, disability, and death. Sometimes people have symptoms but do not suspect diabetes. They delay scheduling a checkup because they do not feel sick.

Many people do not find out they have the disease until they have diabetes complications, such as blurry vision or heart trouble. Finding out early if you have diabetes is important because treatment can prevent or delay the complications of the disease.
TOP OF PAGE

DIABETES TREATMENT

Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Controlling blood glucose, or blood sugar, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol is the best defense against the serious complications of diabetes.

People with type 1 diabetes control their blood sugar with insulin -- either with shots or an insulin pump. People with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar with oral medications or insulin, and some people may need to take both for a while. Sometimes a person with type 2 diabetes can control blood glucose levels with diet and exercise alone.

Good control of blood glucose requires

following a meal plan that is right for you
getting regular physical activity
taking diabetes medicine every day
checking blood glucose as recommended
knowing and managing your diabetes ABCs.

Follow a Meal Plan

Making healthy food choices is very important to help keep your blood glucose level under control. People with diabetes should have their own meal plan. Ask your doctor to give you the name of a dietitian or a diabetes educator who can work with you to develop a meal plan.

In designing a meal plan for you, a dietitian will consider several things, including your weight and daily physical activity, blood glucose levels, and medications. If you are overweight, a plan to help you achieve a weight that is right for you will help control your blood glucose. Your dietitian can help you plan meals to include foods that you and your family like to eat and that are good for you.

People with diabetes don't need to eat special foods. The foods that are on your meal plan are good for everyone in your family. Try to eat foods that are low in fat, salt, and sugar and high in fiber, such as beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Making healthy food choices will help you reach and stay at a weight that's good for your body, keep your blood glucose in a desirable range, and prevent heart and blood vessel disease.

Get Regular Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is important for people with diabetes. Taking part in a regular fitness program has been shown to improve blood glucose levels in older people whose levels are high.

Exercise is especially good for people with diabetes because

exercise helps keep weight down
exercise helps insulin work better to lower blood glucose
exercise is good for your heart and lungs
exercise gives you more energy.

Before you begin exercising, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may check your heart and your feet to be sure you have no special problems. If you have high blood pressure or eye problems, some exercises like weightlifting may not be safe. Your health care team can help you find safe exercises.

Walking, swimming, dancing, riding a bicycle, playing baseball, and bowling are all good ways to exercise. You can even get exercise when you clean house or work in your garden.

Try to exercise almost every day for a total of about 30 minutes. If you haven't exercised lately, begin slowly. Start with 5 to 10 minutes, and then add more time. Or exercise for 10 minutes, three times a day.

Take Your Diabetes Medicine Every Day

Insulin and diabetes pills are the two kinds of medicines used to lower blood glucose.

You need insulin if your body has stopped making insulin or if your body doesn't make enough. Everyone with type 1 diabetes needs insulin, and many people with type 2 diabetes do, too.

Insulin can't be taken as a pill. You will give yourself shots every day or use an insulin pump. Insulin pumps are small machines that connect to narrow tubing, ending with a needle just under the skin near the abdomen. Insulin is delivered through the needle.

If your body makes insulin, but the insulin doesn't lower your blood glucose, you may need diabetes pills. Some pills are taken once a day, and others are taken more often. Ask your health care team when you should take your pills. Remember to take your medicines every day, even when you feel well.

Be sure to tell your doctor if your pills make you feel sick or if you have any other problems. Remember, diabetes pills don't lower blood glucose all by themselves. You will still want to follow a meal plan and exercise to help lower your blood glucose.

Sometimes, people who take diabetes pills may need insulin shots for a while. If you get sick or have surgery, the diabetes pills may no longer work to lower your blood glucose.

Many people with type 2 diabetes do not need insulin or diabetes pills. They can take care of their diabetes by using a meal plan and exercising regularly.

Check Your Blood Glucose as Recommended

One of the best ways to find out how well you are taking care of your diabetes is to check your blood to see how much glucose is in it. If your blood has too much or too little glucose, you may need a change in your meal plan, exercise plan, or medicine.

Ask your doctor how often you should check your blood glucose. Some people check their blood glucose once a day. Others do it three or four times a day. You may check before eating, before bed, and sometimes in the middle of the night.

Your doctor or diabetes educator will show you how to check your blood using a blood glucose meter. Your health insurance or Medicare may pay for some of the supplies and equipment you need to check your glucose levels.

When blood glucose levels drop too low, a condition known as hypoglycemia, a person can become nervous, shaky, and confused. Judgment can be impaired. If blood glucose falls too low, a person can faint. You can prevent hypoglycemia by eating regular meals, taking your diabetes medicines as your doctor tells you to, and checking your blood glucose levels. Checking will tell you whether your glucose level is going down. You can then take steps, like drinking fruit juice, to raise your blood glucose. Tell your doctor if you have hypoglycemia often, especially if it is at the same time of the day or night several times in a row.

A person can also become ill if blood glucose levels rise too high, a condition known as hyperglycemia. Diabetics may go into a coma if their blood sugar levels rise too high. If your blood glucose is high much of the time or if you have symptoms of high blood glucose, call your doctor. You may need a change in your insulin or diabetes pills, or a change in your meal plan.

Monitor Your Diabetes ABCs

Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, heart disease is more likely to strike you and at an earlier age than someone without diabetes. Therefore, people with diabetes need to control their ABCs of diabetes, A1C or blood glucose average, their blood pressure, and their cholesterol.

The A1C test (A-one-C), also called the hemoglobin A1C test, shows overall blood glucose for the past 3 months. It shows how much glucose is sticking to your red blood cells. The doctor does this test to see what your blood glucose is most of the time. This test should be done at least twice a year.

For most people with diabetes, an A1C test result of under 7 usually means that your diabetes treatment is working well and your blood glucose is under control. If your A1C is above 7 your blood glucose is too high and you have a greater chance of getting diabetes complications.

If your A1C is above your target goal, take action. You may need a change in your meal plan, exercise plan, or diabetes medicine to lower your chance of getting diabetes problems like heart disease or kidney damage. Talk with your health care provider about your A1C goal and how to reach it.

High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard. This leads to strokes and other problems such as kidney disease. Your blood pressure should be checked at every doctor visit. The target blood pressure for most people with diabetes is less than 130/80. Talk with your health care provider about your blood pressure goal.

Low density lipoprotein, or LDL, is the bad cholesterol that builds up in your blood vessels. It causes the vessels to narrow and harden, which can lead to a heart attack. Your doctor should check your LDL at least once a year. The target LDL cholesterol for most people with diabetes is less than 100. Talk with your health care provider about your cholesterol goal.
TOP OF PAGE

DIABETES FOOT & SKIN CARE

Foot care is very important for people with diabetes. High blood glucose levels and a reduced blood supply to the limbs cause nerve damage that reduces feeling in the feet. Someone with nerve damage may not feel a pebble inside his sock that is causing a sore. One may not feel a blister caused by poorly fitting shoes. Foot injuries such as these can cause ulcers, which may lead to amputation.

People with diabetes should check their feet every day and watch for any cuts, sores, red spots, swelling, and infected toenails. Sores, blisters, breaks in the skin, infections, or buildup of calluses should be reported right away to a podiatrist or a family doctor. Never walk barefoot. Have your feet checked at every doctor visit. Take your shoes and socks off when you go into the examining room. This will remind the doctor to check your feet.

Skin care is very important, too. Because people with diabetes may have more injuries and infections, they should protect their skin by keeping it clean, using skin softeners to treat dryness, and taking care of minor cuts and bruises.

TOP OF PAGE

Main Navigation

Diabetes Defined