What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease where the amount of glucose (sugar) traveling in the bloodstream is too high. The pancreas is an organ that makes a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps glucose move out of the bloodstream into the cells of the body to be used for energy. When you have diabetes, your pancreas either doesn't make enough insulin or your body tissues can't use the insulin. This causes sugar to build up in your bloodstream. The two main types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1: This form of diabetes develops more often in children and young adults. The body does not make any insulin. The cells in the pancreas responsible for making insulin have been destroyed, often for unknown reasons. Those with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin shots. Two to four insulin shots may be needed daily for optimal blood glucose control.

Type 2: This is the most common form of diabetes. The body makes insulin, but not enough to control blood sugar levels; OR the cells of the body cannot properly use the insulin. Type 2 diabetes develops more often in middle-aged adults. However young adults and even children are developing it at high rates due to obesity and inactivity.

A condition called pre-diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. People with pre-diabetes will likely develop Type 2 diabetes unless they take actions to control their blood glucose levels.

There is no cure for Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle changes and treatments may help those with diabetes lead long and healthy lives.

What are the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes?

The warning signs of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are similar. The main difference is that Type 2 diabetes develops over time while Type 1 diabetes develops more quickly. It is important to be aware of the symptoms (warning signs) of diabetes because early prevention and treatment is the best way to avoid complications. If you have any of the symptoms below, contact your doctor immediately:

• Sweet, fruity breath (also called "acetone breath")
• Increased thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Excessive trips to the bathroom to urinate, especially at night
• Blurred vision
• Very dry skin
• A slow healing wound

What are the Risk Factors for Developing Diabetes?

The risks for developing Type 2 diabetes include:

• Increasing age
• Obesity
• Family history of diabetes
• History of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
• Impaired glucose tolerance
• Physical inactivity
• Race/ethnicity - African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and Native Americans are all at a higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

Risk factors for Type 1 diabetes are not well known, but autoimmune (when the body attacks itself), genetic, and environmental factors may be involved its development.

How is Diabetes Detected?

Diabetes can be detected by a blood or urine test. Your doctor will look at the results of these tests to determine if you have diabetes.

What are the Treatment Options for Diabetes?

The best treatment for diabetes is to keep your blood glucose levels within a normal range. The best way to do this is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, taking medications, and/or using insulin shots. Your doctor will work with you to determine a good blood glucose range and ways for you to reach it.

Uncontrolled, high blood glucose levels can cause serious health problems, including:

• Heart and other vascular disease
• Kidney disease
• Blindness
• Nerve damage

If you have diabetes, you can help prevent these problems by keeping your blood glucose levels in a healthy range. The following guidelines indicate good blood glucose control:

• A hemoglobin A1c of 7 percent or less (this is a test that shows blood glucose control during the preceding three months)
• A fasting blood glucose level of 90 to 130 mg/dL
• A blood glucose level taken one to two hours after eating of less than 180 mg/dL
  For all diabetics, prevention is a must. Make lifestyle changes which include: quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet (low in refined carbohydrates, saturated fats and sugars), and maintaining a healthy weight. Your doctor or diabetes educator can teach you how to monitor your blood glucose. He or she will also recommend how often you should test your blood.

• Meet with a dietician to set up a meal plan. A meal plan will help you determine how much food you need and how to plan meals and snacks.
• Maintain or attain a healthy weight. If you have Type 2 diabetes and are overweight, it is important to reach a good body weight. Often losing just 5 to 10 pounds will improve your blood glucose levels.
• Children with Type 1 diabetes should eat enough calories to provide for normal growth and development.

Exercise
For those with Type 2 diabetes exercise can lower blood glucose levels, making cells more sensitive to insulin. Sensitized cells are better able to use and store glucose. In some cases exercise and eating fewer calories can control Type 2 diabetes without the need for medication. Your goal should be 30 to 60 minutes of moderate aerobic activity most days of the week. An hour a day of moderate (i.e., walking) or 30 minutes a day of vigorous (i.e., jogging) exercise may be needed to lose weight. Your doctor can help you determine the type of exercise program that is best for you.

More Information

You may be interested in reading a related article titled Metabolic Syndrome.

6/16/2008