Recently, a close friend of mine was diagnosed with Diabetes Type II. Over 17 million Americans have diabetes, and each day, approximately 2,200 new individuals are diagnosed. After my friend was diagnosed, I realized my knowledge of diabetes was lacking. Below is a simple test on the subject – how much do you know?
1. Onset of Type II diabetes most likely occurs:
a. in childhood or adolescence
b. at ages 20 to35
c. at ages 35 to 65
d. at 65+
2. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of diabetes?
a. hair loss
b. frequent urination
c. fatigue
d. sores that don’t heal
3. Which is the most appropriate test for diagnosing diabetes?
a. fasting plasma glucose blood test
b. urine test
c. finger-stick test
d. saliva test
4. The role of insulin in our system is:
a. to break down carbohydrates
b. to aid Alpa Cells, which are responsible for the production of glucagons
c. to store glucose in our cells to use as fuel
d. to regulate our level of metabolism
5. “Borderline Diabetes” refers to:
a. a person with Gestational Diabetes
b. a person with mild diabetes
c. there is no such thing as “Borderline” diabetes
d. a condition known as impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)
Answers:
1. D. The incidence of Type II diabetes drastically increases with age.
2. A. Hair loss is not a symptom of diabetes.
3. A. The fasting plasma glucose blood test is the preferred test. Finger-sticks and urine tests are more suitable as a screening tool and regular glucose monitoring.
4. C. When glucose enters our blood, insulin moves it into our cells to be used as fuel.
5.C. “Borderline” diabetes does not exist, although the term is used quite frequently.
Insulin and diabetes facts:
Type II Diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. Type I Diabetes usually strikes in young persons (average age is 14), with Type II Diabetes typically developing during or after middle age, often referred to as “adult onset diabetes”.
Diabetes is a condition where insulin, a hormone, is not doing its job. Insulin is needed to properly store foods we eat for use as energy. Here’s how it works: Most of the food we consume is broken down into glucose and other simple sugars. As newly arrived glucose enters our blood stream, insulin is released from the pancreas, binds to the glucose via Insulin Receptors, and moves it into your cells to use as fuel.
If insulin production is insufficient or does not function properly, the newly arrived glucose cannot be stored and remains in our blood stream - our blood sugar levels then become elevated. These high levels, left untreated, can eventually cause damage to other systems and organs.
With Type II Diabetes, the pancreas produces some insulin, but the amount is either not enough or is not effective, because the body’s cells are resistant to it.
Type I Diabetes must be treated with insulin, which involves injections. Insulin cannot be taken as a pill because the digestive juices in the stomach destroy the insulin before it can work.
The warning signs of diabetes include:
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Unusual thirst
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Intense hunger
• Frequent infections/slowly healing cuts
• Fatigue
• Irritability
Ten tips for diabetes control
1. Monitor your blood sugar at least twice (preferably three times) a day – before meals.
2. Take your medication correctly, read and following directions, and pay attention to warning labels.
3. Read food labels – the first thing to look at is serving size. Then look at the carbohydrate per serving. Look also at the fat and calories, if appropriate.
4. Eat at regular times - stay within one hour each day of usual meal times. Controlling your eating schedule helps control your blood sugar and lead to better management.
5. Learn the carbohydrate count of foods in the portions you commonly use. Use measuring cups to measure serving sizes and count out servings of crackers, pretzels, chips and nuts. Carbohydrate control is essential in diabetes management.
6. Make wise selections when dining out. Eat smaller portions, order salad dressing on the side and dip with your fork, and avoid “sugar free” desserts, having a bite or two of regular dessert instead.
7. Exercise daily with some type of walking, biking, swimming, dancing or aerobics. Exercise improves your body’s use of insulin.
8. Examine feet daily. Diabetics are more prone to foot problems. Always wear proper fitting shoes.
9. Take care of your heart! Heart disease causes 65 percent of deaths related to diabetic complications. Maintain good body weight, exercise and decrease the saturated fats.
10. Know your A1c Hemoglobin number – this is the measurement of sugar over the past three months which tells the degree of diabetes control.
Diabetes is a serious condition. However, with proper treatment and a healthy lifestyle, your blood glucose can go down to normal levels.
So, the next time you hear someone claim they have “a touch of sugar” or just “borderline” diabetes, do him or her a favor: Tell them all diabetes is important, and careful monitoring and treatment is crucial.