• Defining Diabetes
• Controlling Diabetes
• Understanding Diabetes Medications
• Getting the Nutrients You Need
• Making Exercise Part of Your Program

Defining Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that interferes with the way the body uses food. In people who do not have diabetes, carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are digested and changed into glucose (blood sugar), one of the body's major sources of energy. Insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas) must be present to allow the body to turn glucose into energy

In diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot properly use the insulin that is produced. Consequently, the glucose cannot be used for energy, and it builds up in blood and tissues, passing the excess through the kidneys into the urine.

Changes in small blood vessels and nerves are very common in people with diabetes, particularly the person who has had diabetes for a long-time. These changes can lead to complications such as heart disease, eye problems, foot problems or kidney disease.

Type I diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) develops when the pancreas either stops making insulin or doesn't make enough. It often appears suddenly in children and young adults, but can strike at any age.

Type II diabetes occurs when either the body is not making enough insulin, or the body makes insulin, but can't use it. Type II diabetes does not appear as suddenly as Type I diabetes, often progresses more slowly and usually strikes people over 40. There is a tendency for Type II diabetes to run in families, but another risk factor, such as obesity, is usually present.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination and extreme thirst
• Constant hunger
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Sudden weight loss
• Slowed healing of infections of the skin
  
  
  

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Controlling Diabetes

At this time, there is no cure for diabetes, but it can be treated effectively through a combination of diet, exercise and medication. While Type II diabetes can usually be controlled through diet and exercise alone, Type I diabetes requires insulin as well as diet and exercise.

It is important that your blood sugar levels are kept under control. In cases where blood sugar is not controlled, hyperglycemia (high glucose levels) or hypoglycemia (low glucose levels) can occur. Both of these conditions need immediate treatment; talk to your doctor to better understand what to do if either occurs.

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Understanding Diabetes Medications

Taken by injection, insulin is the key to getting glucose out of the bloodstream and into the cells so it can be used for energy. There are also pills that lower blood glucose, but they can only help those with Type II diabetes. To avoid complications and work out a treatment plan, discuss your possible use of these drugs with your doctor and let him/her know of any other drugs you take.

Home tests that measure your glucose levels are available to help track how well your body is responding to treatment.

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Getting the Nutrients You Need

Food raises your blood glucose level. So, you must watch what and when you eat. Consult with your doctor or dietitian to develop a meal plan that is well-balanced and includes foods you enjoy.

Some meal planning guidelines for people with diabetes:

• 10-20% of your calories should come from protein.
• Divide the remaining 80-90% of calories between carbohydrates and fat.
• For those with normal levels of cholesterol, triglycerdes and other lipids, 30% or less of your total calories should come from fat (less than 10% from saturated fat).

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Making Exercise Part of Your Program

Exercise is an essential part of treatment; it usually lowers blood glucose by increasing the use of glucose by the muscles. Try to make exercise part of your overall routine. By choosing activities you enjoy, you will be motivated to engage in them more frequently and make them part of your lifestyle.

Exercise Guidelines

• Before mild to moderate exercise, eat a high-carbohydrate snack such as fruit or yogurt.
• Always take some form of sugar along when you exercise. If you feel dizzy or confused, stop exercising and take some form of sugar immediately.
• Try to work out with others and let them know you have diabetes so they know what to do if problems occur.

Having diabetes doesn't mean that you have to give up things that are important to you such as working and having children. With planning, even travel can be easy and relatively carefree. You will have to be more conscientious about eating and taking medication at regularly scheduled times and to educating friends and family members about the nature of diabetes and the treatments that are necessary.

This health education material has been favorably reviewed by the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation.

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