Diabetes Guide

What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder whereby the body cannot use carbohydrates (sugar and starches) properly.

- After digestion, sugar and starches are changed into glucose - the simplest form of sugar vital for body energy and growth.
- Insulin is the hormone which acts as a key that o9pens the doors to body cells and allows glucose to enter.
- Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood and passes into the urine. High blood glucose levels lead to frequent urination, extreme thirst and tiredness.
- Untreated diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney damage, foot ulcers and gangrene (with amputation) impotence, and other complications.

Symptoms of Diabetes
- Frequent urination
- Extreme thirst
- Unusual hunger
- Rapid weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Skin infections that are slow to heal
- Tingling/numbness in feet
Note: Diabetes can be present even with no symptoms.
DO NOT DISREGARD DIABETIC SYMPTOMS!

Type 1 Diabetes
- Occurs in 10% of diabetes cases
- Usually in children and young adults
- Pancreas produces little or no insulin. Daily insulin injections (or an insulin pump or inhaled insulin) are necessary as well as:
- Matching pre-meal insulin to the amount of carbohydrate eaten
- Weight control and regular physical activity
Others (primarily type 2 diabetes) make enough insulin but the body doesn't use it as well as it should - particularly if obese and inactive.

Type 2 Diabetes
- Occurs in 90% of diabetes cases
- Occurs mainly in adults - particularly in overweight and inactive persons
- Insulin is produced but body cells resist its action and glucose cannot enter cells
- Usually treated with meal planning and physical activity. Sometimes requires medication (pills or insulin)

Gestational Diabetes
- Occurs in some women during pregnancy
- Usually disappears after the baby's birth
- Women who have had gestational diabetes still have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years
- Requires weight control, a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks

Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Pre-Diabetes - An Early Warning!
Pre-Diabetes means that your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be called diabetes.
If you have pre-diabetes, you have a higher risk for getting diabetes later on.
The good news is that you can start taking steps to prevent diabetes by making healthy lifestyle changes - such as losing weight if overweight and being more physically active.

What's Your Risk?
Find out if you're at risk by answering the following questions:

Have you been told you have pre-diabetes?
Do you have a family history of diabetes?
Are you African American, Latino American, Asian American, Native American or Pacific Islander?
Have you had gestational diabetes (during pregnancy)?
Are you over age 65?
Are you overweight?
Do you get little or no physical activity?
Is you waist measurement more than 35 (for a woman) or 40 inches (for a man)?
Is your blood pressure more than 130 over 85?
Have you been told your HDL (good cholesterol) is too low?
Are your triglycerides (blood fats) too high?

If you answered yes to 2 or more questions, you may be more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Ask your doctor if you should have a blood test for diabetes.

Blood Glucose Classification of Diabetes
Normal range is below 100 mg/dl*
Pre-diabetes range is between 100-125 mg/dl*
Diabetes range is over 125 mg/dl*

* Fasting blood glucose
Know your blood glucose level (BGL)
Everyone over the age of 45 should have a blood glucose test every 3 years.

Importance of Weight Control
- Type 2 diabetes is more common to people who are overweight
- Being overweight means that your insulin doesn't work as well to control blood glucose levels
- Losing just 10 to 20 pounds can help you better manage your diabetes and lower your risk for heart disease
- Keys to weight control include:
Following a healthy eating plan
Controlling food portions
Being physically active most days of the week
Keeping food records
Setting realistic goals
- Work with a registered dietitian who can help you reach a weight that's good for you.

Keep Moving
Every day, do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise (even in 5 minute sets). It's the key to improving insulin action. Add muscle strength training 3-4 times a week to double the benefits.

Managing Diabetes
Don't battle diabetes alone. Establish a partnership with your doctor, dietician, certified diabetes educator, and pharmacist.

Extra support - Joslin Diabetic Center
- American Diabetes Association
- American Association for Diabetes Education
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
- National Diabetic Education Program

Hints to keep blood glucose within safe limits:
- Control your food intake. Know what and when you will eat. Seek referral to a dietitian for expert advice.
- Exercise regularly. It assists weight control and can improve sensitivity of body cells to insulin. Plan physical activity into your daily routine.
- Monitor your blood glucose levels at home and work with a blood glucose meter. It will help you become familiar with your blood glucose patterns, and the effects of food, activity, and medication.
- Take insulin or oral medication as prescribed. If on insulin, know what action to take if hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) occurs. Also educate your family and friends.
More information: www.joslin.org

Know Your ABC's

If you have diabetes, you are at a high risk for heart attack and stroke than someone without diabetes. But you can fight back!

A is for A1C
The A1C test measures your average blood glucose (sugar) over the last 3 months. Suggested Target is below 7%.

B is for Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure makes your heart work too hard. Suggested target below 130/80.

C is for Cholesterol
Bad cholesterol, or LDL, can build up and clog your arteries. Suggested target below 100.

As you can see, Diabetes is a serious matter. And education is key. Go to the suggested references listed within this article for more information. ~
Aunt Millie