Diabetes

(what it is, what causes it, what it’s like to live with, & treatment options)

 

Insulin Challenged? What Can You Do About It?

 

When insulin-producing beta cells are attacked by your immune system, it can trigger diabetes. The pancreas is the organ responsible for secreting insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. When that balance is upset due to an attack, there is an imbalance in sugar levels, creating a problem known as diabetes, specifically Type 1. The most common type, Type 2 Diabetes, can be caused by lifestyle and/or genetics.

 

Because we can control our lifestyle, making healthier choices can be the easiest way of mitigating your risk of being diagnosed with diabetes. Some of the factors you can control are obesity and exercise, or lack thereof. 

 

There are some racial and ethnic groups that tend to be more prone to Type 2 diabetes as well. Some of these are African Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans. Since we have no control over our heritage, it is even more important to get informed and make healthy dietary and fitness choices if you are from one of the ethnic groups at a higher risk for diabetes.

 

Damage to the pancreas, prescription drugs, or one with a history of heart disease or strokes can elevate your risk of being diagnosed with the disease.

 

If you are diagnosed with the disease, it will require some changes in your lifestyle to manage the disease and keep it from progressing. Remember the formula “A, B, Cs+2” to manage your sugar levels.

 

A is for the A1C test. This test shows your average glucose levels over the last three months. Knowing these numbers gives you a guide to keep yours where they need to be. 

 

Blood pressure is the “B” in the formula. Most people with diabetes are asked to keep their blood pressure at or below 140/90.

 

C stands for cholesterol. There are two types of cholesterol, usually referred to as the “bad” and “good”. However, the formal names are LDL and HDL. LDL levels can build up and cause heart attacks and strokes, creating havoc for your diabetes.

 

Finally, it’s important to eliminate smoking, if you are a smoker, and change your diet, choosing whole grains, fresh produce, and low-sugar options. Daily exercise is the final component to not only lowering the risk of diabetes, but managing your insulin levels once you’ve been diagnosed with the disease.

 

Unfortunately there is no cure for diabetes. The most prudent choice is to mitigate your risk by making healthy lifestyle choices to prevent getting diabetes. However, if your doctor has already diagnosed you with the disease, manage your insulin levels well through the A, B, Cs+2.

 

Living with diabetes doesn’t have to be a death sentence; it’s simply a wake up call to lead a healthier lifestyle. Most people with diabetes find this simple to do, and lead a life that is vibrant and full of joy.

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Diabetes Defined

 

There are three types of diabetes that are common among Americans: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Although there are some other rare types of diabetes, let’s explain and define the differences in causes, risk factors, and treatments of the three main types of diabetes found in America.

 

Risk factors include obesity, activity level, high blood pressure, family history, and sometimes geography. Finland and Sweden tend to have higher rates of Type 1 diabetes than other countries. Blacks, Hispanics, Asian-Americans and Native Americans also have a greater tendency to be at risk for diabetes. And, your doctor may suggest you get tested at certain intervals; as we age we can be more prone to diabetes. 

 

Type 1 occurs in people of every race, shape, size and age. When your body doesn’t produce insulin, this is what is referred to as Type 1 diabetes, and it is no respecter of persons. 

 

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, is caused by your body using insulin incorrectly. Because your body processes it inefficiently, it requires management on your part. Yet, it doesn’t mean you have to stop living. Again, diet and exercise can go a long way in managing your diabetes.

 

There are several tests your doctor can perform to determine if you have diabetes. A1C, Fasting Plasma Glucose, and Oral Glucose Tolerance Tests are three of the ways they can check your blood sugar levels. 

 

The ADA recommends that anyone in these categories be screened for diabetes:

• Anyone with a BMI (body mass index) of 25 or higher, regardless of age, who has at least one other risk factor

• Anyone 45 or older should be screened every three years

• Any woman who has had gestational diabetes should be screened every 3 years to ensure Type 2 diabetes doesn’t go unnoticed

• Anyone who is prediabetic should be tested annually

 

The American Diabetes Association states that you can lower your chances of Type 2 diabetes by 58% if you lose 7% of your body weight or exercise moderately 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. 

 

Gestational diabetes is usually temporary. It occurs because your body is producing hormones to sustain your pregnancy, and the hormones make your cells resistant to insulin, thereby causing an imbalance in insulin levels during pregnancy. After delivering the baby, the insulin levels tend to return to normal, and no further monitoring is necessary.

 

While pregnant, however, it must be managed. Those with gestational diabetes can be more prone to a C-section, due to the baby growing too large. You are also more likely to have low blood sugar which can lead to passing out, and are more likely to have Type 2 diabetes later on in life. 

 

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have similar symptoms, although Type 1 symptoms tend to reveal themselves quickly and are more severe. Oftentimes those with prediabetic tendencies or Type 2 diabetes don’t see symptoms until their insulin levels are really out of whack. 

 

Some symptoms you may experience include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, irritability, blurred vision, or frequent infections. These signs can signal an alarm for you to seek medical attention and have your blood glucose levels checked.

 

If the results do show you are diabetic, it requires a change in lifestyle to manage it. 

 

 If left unmanaged or untreated, complications can arise. Cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, eye damage, Alzheimer’s, hearing impairment, poor blood flow to the feet, and skin conditions can be caused by allowing sugar levels to go uncontrolled.

 

To prevent these complications, it will require alterations in your activity and diet. Proper nutrition and regular exercise can go a long way in managing your blood sugar levels. Managing your stress levels can also keep insulin surges at bay.

 

Insulin therapy, managing your diet, and exercising can help you lead a normal life, just like others without diabetes. As with many diseases, we are our own worst enemy, and when we put nutritional foods into our bodies and practice good self-care we can eliminate many of the complications and illnesses that are exacerbated by a suppressed immune system or vitamin deficiencies. A proper diet and exercise go a long way to keeping your body healthy and not dependent on medications.