Diabetes

How do you get Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which there is an increased amount of sugar in the blood. The main factor that plays a role in diabetes is insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas to control the levels of sugar present in the blood. There are two distinct types of diabetes. In Type 1, the body is unable to produce insulin. This type is more common in young children and teens. In Type 2, the body does produce insulin but it is at lower levels or the body may completely reject the insulin.

In non diabetic patients, food becomes digested and glucose gets released into the blood. Insulin then transfers the glucose to areas such as liver cells, muscle, and/or fat where it is stored as a source until it is needed for energy. Patients without diabetes cannot remove the glucose from the blood, which results in the increased blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Care

You Are Not Alone

The diabetes team at Heart & Health are here to help you cope with your diagnosis. Our mission is to empower our patients with the self-care management skills necessary to improve their quality of life, using what they have learned through diabetes education and disease management strategies. We assist our patients and their families in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to develop confidence and motivation in their self-care skills. The problem-solving and coping skills they will learn can help them overcome any barriers to self-care behavior.

Are You at Risk For Diabetes?

There are many risk factors that contribute to an increased risk for diabetes. To find out your risk, note each item on the list below that applies to you.

• I am 45 years of age or older
• I am overweight
• I gave birth to a baby over 9lbs
• I am not active and do not exercise
• I have a brother, sister or parent with diabetes
• I have high blood pressure
• I have high cholesterol
• I have a history of heart disease
• I am of African, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino or Alaska Native descent
• I have been told my sugars are slightly high

Diabetes Treatment

Diabetes is a condition in which there is an increased amount of sugar in the blood. The main factor that plays a role in diabetes is insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas to control the levels of sugar present in the blood. There are two distinct types of diabetes. In Type 1, the body is unable to produce insulin. This type is more common in young children and teens. In Type 2, the body does produce insulin but it is at lower levels or the body may completely reject the insulin. In non diabetic patients, food becomes digested and glucose gets released into the blood. Insulin then transfers the glucose to areas such as liver cells, muscle, and/or fat where it is stored as a source until it is needed for energy. Patients without diabetes cannot remove the glucose from the blood, which results in the increased blood sugar levels.

In general, all people who are diagnosed with diabetes should take control by maintaining a proper diet and exercise plan. They should also be aware of their glucose levels with regular measurements and make sure they take their oral medications and take insulin injections in order to keep their sugar levels at an appropriate level. Diabetes medication is often prescribed by a doctor and can be picked up from a variety of pharmacies, including from an online Canadian pharmacy or a pharmacy in your country. If you have received a delayed diagnosis for diabetes, you may want to contact experienced attorneys for consultation. The Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. web page on the matter is also available en español: diabetes medical negligence.

Individuals with Type I diabetes lack the hormone insulin and therefore are required to take insulin. A majority of diabetics receive multiple insulin injections daily or utilize an insulin pump. An insulin pump is an apparatus that is worn outside of the body and it pumps insulin through a bendable tube to a tiny needle that is then inserted beneath the skin. The pump can be programmed to provide small amounts of short-acting insulin continuously throughout the day as well as supplementary doses before meals.

Some Tips on Taking Insulin for Type 1 Diabetes:

• Be sure to acquire your insulin as directed. You should try to take it even if you don’t feel well or are sick.
• Be in contact with your doctor and dietitian and discuss the time you eat and the amount of food you eat, this way your insulin regimen is adjusted suitably to your needs.
• Be consistent with your meals. Try to never skip any meals because your blood sugar can drop to a very low level especially if you have already taken an insulin injection.
• Keep track of your glucose levels on a regular basis as recommended by your doctor.
• Be sure to use your own needles since sharing them can put you at risk for other diseases such as hepatitis C and HIV.
• Store extra insulin in your medical refrigerators and freezers to keep it out of bright light and very hot places.

Individuals with Type 2 diabetes can be in control of their diabetes with regular diet, exercise, and anti-diabetic agents. To be in control of their diabetes some people might require insulin injections a few times a day.

Some Tips on taking oral agents or insulin for diabetes:

• Be familiar on how often to take your medication and be consistent with your schedule.
• Be aware that if the medications aren’t effective, you may have to start using insulin if your blood sugar isn’t lowered.
• Keep in mind that medication alone does not lower blood sugar and that diet and regular exercise play a crucial role.
• If you are overweight, try to lose some weight. Even a small quantity of weight loss can aid in lowering your blood sugar. There is the potential of stopping medication if you can lose the excess weight.

How Chronic Disease Affects Americans

• Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Seven of every 10 deaths are caused by them. ¹
• About 75% of the more than $2.5 trillion we spend annually on health care is related to chronic disease.
• In 2005, 133 million Americans – almost 1 of every 2 adults – had at least one chronic illness. ¹
• About 1 of every 4 people with chronic diseases cannot perform one or more daily activities. ²

For additional Information on Diabetic health please Read Here.