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Latest Blog Post
| Diabetes, a disease you can manage, part 1 |
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By Paula Camposano-Robinson, R.N. Diabetes is a very common and also very serious disease, but it can be managed if you are knowledgeable about how it may present itself. It is estimated that at least 21 million Americans are affected and at risk for complications, and another 54 million have pre-diabetes (a slightly elevated blood sugar), which puts them at risk for developing the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes is a medical condition in which your blood levels of glucose, a form of sugar, are too high. Various dangerous health issues can result, but the good news is high glucose levels can be managed to control the disease and prevent or delay future problems. Your body changes the foods you eat into glucose. This glucose travels through your blood stream, fueling or feeding your cells. Insulin is a hormone that helps our bodies to convert glucose into energy. If your body doesn't produce insulin or doesn't use it properly, your blood sugar rises and you may have diabetes. With this condition, you may feel tired, hungry, and thirsty or you may lose weight. The high blood sugar can harm your eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Heart disease, strokes, and even amputations may result from a case of severe diabetes. Is it in your genes? Diabetes is hereditary. Your family background weighs heavily into the risk you may develop the disease. The greater you are at risk, the better it is that you understand the symptoms, and that you see your physician regularly. Careful control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol can prevent or delay diabetes and its many complications. It can also prevent risks of heart disease, including having a heart attack. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetics must take insulin every day. Type I diabetes is often seen in children, teenagers, or adults under the age of 30. Type 2 diabetes is often called adult-onset and is most common in people over age 40. Type 2 diabetes is usually linked to obesity, lack of activity and family background. Increase Type 2 diabetics often go through pre-diabetes in which their blood sugar is elevated, but not high enough to called diabetes. With this condition, the risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes is high, and heart disease and stroke risks increase. Approximately 90-95 percent of diabetics in the United States have type 2 onsets. The pancreas, which is responsible for producing the insulin in our bodies, is still providing insulin, however the body's cells are resistant. Very high or very low blood glucose levels can lead to serious medical problems and emergencies. Diabetics are prone to go into a coma if their blood glucose gets too high. Low Low blood glucose, also known as hypoglycemia can lead to other complications, if left untreated. Hypoglycemia is usually mild and can be treated by eating or drinking something with carbohydrates such as bread, fruit, potatoes, or milk. However, if untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness and can be life threatening. Those with diabetes also have an increased risk for Alzheimer's. Studies are under way to determine if strict controls of glucose can delay or prevent the symptoms of this dreaded disease. Find out what symptoms you should look for and the various steps that you and your physician can implement to help manage this disease safely by joining me next week for part 2 of this series. — Paula Camposano-Robinson, R.N., is a 30-year Marco Island resident sharing her professional training and work experience in the health industry with her readers. This is an information-only column and not intended to replace medical advice from a physician. E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites            |