Diabetes is a condition where your body either does not produce enough insulin, or cannot properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Your body uses insulin to properly convert
the sugars and starches in the foods we eat into glucose. Glucose is used by your body as fuel to create energy. The purpose of insulin is to regulate
the body’s production and use of glucose. In doing so, it prevents a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream, and ensures that assorted body tissues and organs have the proper amount of glucose to function efficiently. Although the actual cause of diabetes is unknown, three different types of the disease have been identified.
Type 1 Diabetes – occurs when the pancreas produces very little or no insulin. Only about 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1. It is often diagnosed at childhood and requires a permanent combination of insulin injections and lifestyle management.
Type 2 Diabetes – occurs when the pancreas produces insulin but it is not enough or the body is unable to use it effectively. About 90% of people
with diabetes have Type 2. Most people with Type 2 diabetes can control the disease through lifestyle management. More severe cases of Type 2diabetes may also require oral or injected medication
Gestational diabetes – is a temporary condition that occurs in 2 to 4 percent of pregnant w omen This type of diabetes usually disappears after
the baby is born. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are at a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.
Who is at risk of getting diabetes?
More prevalent in people of Caucasian decent, Type 2 diabetes can occur under many circumstances . Risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes include the following:
• Age – 45 years of age or older
• Weight – overweight people, especially with a lot of excess weight around the middle (Overweight children are also at risk for Type 2 diabetes)
• Family History – parents or siblings with diabetes. High Risk Groups – Aboriginal peoples, and people of Asian, African or Hispanic decent
• Gestational diabetes – temporary diabetes during pregnancy or having given birth to a baby over 4kg (9 pounds)
• High cholesterol – or other fats in the blood
• High blood glucose levels
• High blood pressure or heart disease
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes usually come on quickly and can include the following:
• Frequent urination • Unusual thirst
• Extreme hunger • Unusual weight loss
• Extreme fatigue • Blurred vision
• Sweet smelling breath
Type 2 diabetes symptoms are often more discrete. They can include:
• Any of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes
• Frequent or recurring infections – especially skin, gum and bladder infections
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal.
• Tingling and numbness in hands or feet
How is diabetes treated?
If it is managed effectively, people with diabetes can expect to have active independent lives. This requires a commitment to lifestyle management
which will allow you to maintain careful control of your blood sugar levels .People with Type 1 diabetes always require daily injections of insulin.
More severe cases of Type 2 diabetes may also require some form of medication to assist in the control of the disease . Both forms of diabetes must also be managed in the following ways: Education – Once you get to know your condition, you are better equipped to manage the situation.
Diabetes can lead to many complications that can be prevented if you know how to effectively manage your lifestyle . The Canadian Diabetes Association, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Canada, and your PharmaChoice pharmacist can answer many questions that you may have concerning diabetes.
Diet and Meal Planning – What, when and how much to eat are important questions that must be answered in order to control how your body manages blood sugar levels . Have your doctor set up an appointment with a dietitian who can work with you to change the way you cook and eat. Try
not to delay or skip meals. As a diabetic, your body relies on your management routine. You may have a reaction if your schedule is disrupted.
Exercise, Healthy Weight and Stress Reduction –
Physical activity helps your body lower blood sugar, helps maintain lower body weight and reduces stress. A balance of these three will help you and
your body manage your diabetes more effectively.
Can diabetes be prevented?
If you are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, you can reduce your chances of developing the disease by as much as 50%. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a
nutritious balanced diet will allow you to take control and manage your future health.
Why should I manage my diabetes?
Diabetes is directly related to at least 5,000 deaths in Canada each year and indirectly related to as many as 25,000. If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to a variety of complications, including:
• Heart Disease and Stroke – Cardiac problems are up to 4 times more common in people with diabetes.
• Blindness – Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults.
• Kidney Disease – 28 percent of new cases of serious kidney disease are caused by diabetes. 12% of seniors with diabetes also suffer from
kidney disease.
• Amputations – Diabetes often causes circulation problems that can lead to severe foot problems.At least half of non-traumatic limb amputations, worldwide, are related to diabetes. \
• Impotence – up to 60% of men with diabetes suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Can diabetes be prevented?
If you are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, you can reduce your chances of developing the disease by as much as 50%. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a
nutritious balanced diet will allow you to take control and manage your future health.
It is estimated that over 2 million Canadians have diabetes, but as many as one in three are unaware they have the disease because many people with Type 2 diabetes display no symptoms at all.