Diabetes
Diabetes prevention is proven, possible, and
powerful. Studies show that people at high risk
for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the onset
of the disease by losing 5 to 7 percent of their
body weight. You can do it by eating healthier
and getting 30 minutes of physical activity 5
days a week. In other words: you don't have to
knock yourself out to prevent diabetes. The key
is: small steps that lead to big rewards. Learn
more about your risk for developing type 2 diabetes
and the small steps you can take to delay or prevent
the disease and live a long, healthy life.
Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose,
or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The
pancreas, makes insulin (a hormone) to help glucose
get into the cells of our bodies. Insulin is needed
to convert sugar, starches and other food into
energy needed for daily life. When you have diabetes,
your body either doesn't make enough insulin or
can't use its own insulin as well as it should.
This causes sugar to build up in your blood.
Diabetes can cause serious health complications
including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure,
and lower-extremity amputations. Diabetes is the
sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
According to the American Diabetes Association
there are 20.8 million people in the United States
(7% of the population) who have diabetes. Around
14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes,
while 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third)
are unaware that they have the disease.
Some people are more likely to get diabetes.
According to the National Diabetes Education Program
(NDEP), Some people may have a higher chance of
getting diabetes. They should ask their doctor
if they need to be tested for diabetes. These
include people who
- are ages 45 and older
- are overweight
- are African American, Hispanic/Latino American,
Asian American or Pacific Islander, or American
Indian
- have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
- have high blood pressure (above 140/90)
- have low HDL (good cholesterol) and high levels
of blood fats
- have had diabetes when pregnant or gave birth
to a large baby (over 9 pounds)
- are active less than three times a week
Type 1 diabetes results from
the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone
that "unlocks" the cells of the body,
allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is
estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed
with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes results from
insulin resistance (a condition in which the body
fails to properly use insulin), combined with
relative insulin deficiency. Most Americans who
are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is a form
of glucose intolerance that is diagnosed in some
women during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs
more frequently among African Americans, Hispanic/Latino
Americans, and American Indians. It is also more
common among obese women and women with a family
history of diabetes. During pregnancy, gestational
diabetes requires treatment to normalize maternal
blood glucose levels to avoid complications in
the infant. After pregnancy, 5% to 10% of women
with gestational diabetes are found to have type
2 diabetes. Women who have had gestational diabetes
have a 20% to 50% chance of developing diabetes
in the next 5-10 years.
Hypoglycemia - also called low
blood glucose/sugar, occurs when your blood glucose
(blood sugar) level drops too low to provide enough
energy for your body's activities. In adults or
children older than 10 years, hypoglycemia is
uncommon except as a side effect of diabetes treatment,
but it can result from other medications or diseases,
hormone or enzyme deficiencies, or tumors.
Hyperglycemia - also called
high blood glucose/sugar. Often, you can lower
your blood glucose level by exercising. Cutting
down on the amount of food you eat might also
help. Work with your dietitian to make changes
in your meal plan. If exercise and changes in
your diet don't work, your doctor may change the
amount of your medication or insulin or possibly
the timing of when you take it.
Do four things every day to lower high blood
glucose:
- Follow your meal plan.
- Be physically active.
- Take your diabetes medicine.
- Check your blood glucose.
Experts say most people with diabetes should
try to keep their blood glucose level as close
as possible to the level of someone who doesn't
have diabetes. The closer to normal your blood
glucose is, the lower your chances are of developing
damage to your eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
