Diabetes is a chronic illness which is marked by high levels of glucose (blood sugar) circulating through the body. This disease is rising sharply. More than 16 million Americans currently have diabetes. It is the nation's sixth leading cause of death by disease. Half of the people who have this disease are unaware that they even have this condition. That means you could have diabetes, not know you have it and already have complications developing in your body because of it.
Insulin is a hormone in your body which help your cells turn glucose from food into the energy needed to run your body. Those with diabetes don't make insulin or produce enough of it to keep the energy conversion process working.
There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1, which used to be called juvenile diabetes, results when the body cannot make insulin. People with this type of diabetes must inject themselves daily with insulin. The warning signs for this type include: frequent urination, increased thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, severe fatigue and irritability.
Type 2 diabetes, which used to be called adult-onset diabetes, results when the body cannot make enough insulin, or is unable to use the insulin effectively (insulin resistance). Over 90 per cent of those with diabetes have this type. Most are over the age of 40 and are overweight, but this type of diabetes is on the rise in children. Children who are overweight and are not getting any exercise are at risk of developing diabetes, as well as other diseases.
Those with Type 2 diabetes often have no warning signs or symptoms. It is a silent disease. You can have it for years and not know it. Some warning signs may include frequent urination, increased thirst, unusual weight loss or fatigue.
If diabetes is not diagnosed or is not treated properly, it can lead
to complications such as blindness; kidney disease and failure, which requires
dialysis; heart disease; nerve damage, which causes tingling, loss of feeling,
pain, etc. in the hands or feet; poor circulation and slow healing, which
can lead to frequent infections and not uncommonly, amputations.
Are You AT Risk?
Your risk for diabetes goes up as you get older, gain too much weight or you do not stay active. It is more common in African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Risk factors for diabetes include: high blood pressure--at or above 140/90, high cholesterol, a family history of diabetes, having diabetes during pregnancy or having a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth.
Find out if you are at risk. Take a copy a the brochure "American Diabetes Alert" located at each of the church entrances. Inside is a test which will help you determine if you are at risk for developing diabetes.
Do You Have Diabetes?
If you do have diabetes, do you have it under control? Is you blood sugar level normal--that is, 120 mg or less? Do you know what your blood sugar level is supposed to be? Are you taking your medications as prescribed? Are you following your prescribed diet? Are you getting exercise four or five times a week? Do you have regular appointments with your physician to monitor your condition? Do you ask questions or seek out answers about your disease? Do you know about the blood test Hemoglobin A1c which measures how effectively your blood sugar has been controlled over a two- to three-month span. It can tell you and your physician how well you are taking care of your diabetes. You should have this test done at least three times a year and be sure you know your target number.
Are you ready to prevent any further complications from developing because of your diabetes? It's up to you to do everything you can to control your diabetes. If you do not know enough now, ask questions. Contact your physician. Ask to see the Diabetes Educator available at the hospital where your physician practices. Contact the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-342-2383 for more information. Use the Internet.
The Good News
You can do things to lower your risk for diabetes. Keep your weight
in control, stay active most days of the week, get your blood pressure
under control, eat low fat meals that are high in fruits, vegetables, and
whole grain foods.
When people with diabetes control their blood sugar, blood pressure,
and cholesterol-by eating and exercising right, monitoring their condition
regularly, and using appropriate medications--they can forestall or prevent
many complications. Some are actually able to reverse their disease.
Diabetes is preventable and controllable.
If
you need more information about diabetes, the brochure "American Diabetes
Alert",
smoking,
or other health-related issues, please contact St. Francis Health Ministry
at 821-2115.
Please share your gifts. If you are interested in the St. Francis Health Ministry, please call Julie Allison-Conlin, RN or Eileen DeWind, RN at 821-2115.
