as of November 21, 2009
Diabetes Corner
OVERVIEW
Diabetes is a life-long disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood.
There are three major types of diabetes:
Type 1 - diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood. The body makes little or no insulin, and daily injections of insulin are needed to sustain life.
Type 2 - diabetes is far more common than type 1 and makes up most of all cases of diabetes. It usually occurs in adulthood. The pancreas does not make enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal, often because the body does not respond well to the insulin. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not know they have it, although it is a serious condition.
Gestational diabetes - is high blood glucose that develops at any time during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes.
CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
Diabetes affects more than 20 million Americans. About 54 million Americans have prediabetes. There are many risk factors for diabetes, including:
-A parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
-Obesity
-Age greater than 45 years
-Some ethnic groups (particularly African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanic Americans)
-Gestational diabetes or delivering a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
-High blood pressure
-High blood levels of triglycerides (a type of fat molecule)
-High blood cholesterol level
-Not getting enough exercise
SYMPTOMS
High blood levels of glucose can cause several problems, including frequent urination, excessive thirst, hunger, fatigue, weight loss, and blurry vision. However, because type 2 diabetes develops slowly, some people with high blood sugar experience no symptoms at all.
Patients with type 1 diabetes usually develop symptoms over a short period of time, and the condition is often diagnosed in an emergency setting.
CARE/TREATMENT
There is no cure for diabetes. Treatment involves medicines, diet, and exercise to control blood sugar and prevent symptoms and complications.
Basic diabetes management skills will help prevent the need for emergency care. These skills include:
-How to recognize and treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
-What to eat and when
-How to take insulin or oral medication
-How to test and record blood glucose
-How to test urine for ketones (type 1 diabetes only)
-How to adjust insulin or food intake when changing exercise and eating habits
-How to handle sick days
-Where to buy diabetes supplies and how to store them
PREVENTION
Maintaining an ideal body weight and an active lifestyle may prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Currently there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes.
Real Stories, Expert Advice
Health Corner Videos: Diabetes
Diabetes: Importance of A1C Test
It's called the A1C test, also known as Estimated Average Glucose. It can actually look back in time, in a way, by measuring the A1C in your blood. When your diabetes is not properly controlled, your blood sugar is too high. The sugar builds up in...
Resources
American Diabetes Association
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
In the News: Diabetes
Unaware And At-Risk
Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/171768.php
The incidence of Type 2 diabetes has increased significantly over the last two decades, affecting both women and men alike. Obesity, often the result of unhealthy diets and lack of exercise, is a major contributor to the development of Type 2 diabetes. But despite the large number of cases diagnosed in the United States, many Americans still lack basic knowledge about the disease.
November Is Diabetes Awareness Month, But Independence Blue Cross Fights This Growing And Devastating Disease Every Day
Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/171778.php
IBC received one of the top corporate team awards from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) after mobilizing a team of nearly 400 walkers who raised $36,000 through donations and its corporate matching gift program for the ADA's Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes presented by Independence Blue Cross (IBC). This fall, more than 3,500 people gathered to participate in the ADA's signature fundraising walk that takes place in 160 cities across the country.