Diabetes is rising among U.S. adults with approximately 6% of the population being affected. Recent results of data analysis shows that almost 13% of those aged 20 or older have diabetes. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Diabetes is a disease that can injure or kill through heart disease, blindness, or kidney disease. In diabetes, levels of blood sugar (glucose) are above normal. When the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the muscles, fat and liver don't use insulin properly, people develop pre-diabetes or diabetes.
Pre-Diabetes
Pre-diabetes or Insulin Resistance occurs when the cells in the body become resistant to insulin and blood glucose levels are higher than normal. Many people diagnosed with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. They also have a higher risk of stroke or heart disease. There are often no signs or symptoms and pre-diabetes is often discovered during a routine physical. Having pre-diabetes does not necessarily mean that you will develop type 2 diabetes. A lifestyle change with modest weight loss (5 to 7 percent of your body weight) and mild exercise can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. The study, "The Diabetes Prevention Program" showed that a 5 to 7 percent weight loss reduced the risk of developing diabetes by 58%.
Types of Diabetes
There are three main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes Formerly known as juvenile diabetes as it is usually diagnosed in childhood.
Type 2 Diabetes Formerly known as adult-onset diabetes and is the most common form of diabetes. This accounts for about 90% of all cases of diabetes and usually is found in adults.
Gestational Diabetes High blood glucose in a pregnant woman who does not have diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas makes little or no insulin because the body's immune system has attacked the pancreas. Insulin must be taken daily for the rest of the patient's life. One out of 10 diabetics has Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or the cells ignore it. This form usually begins with insulin resistance. As a result, the body needs more insulin. Nine out of ten people with diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes occurs during pregnancy but disappears after the birth. Pregnant women need more insulin and many develop this diabetes in the late stages of their pregnancy. This form goes away with the birth of the child but women who have suffered from Gestational Diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
Risk Factors for Diabetes
Over the age of 40 (Type 2)
Overweight
Sedentary
Family history of diabetes
Warning Signs of Diabetes
Excessive thirst (Type 1 and 2)
Frequent Urination (Type 1 and 2)
Extreme Hunger (Type 1 and 2)
Weight Loss (Type 1 and 2)
Irritability (Type 2)
Weakness, fatigue, sleepiness (Type 2)
Nausea and Vomiting (Type 2)
Wounds that won't heal (Type 2)
Blurred Vision (Type 2)
Tingling in hands or feet (Type 2)
Impotence
Infections that heal slowly
Dry, itchy skin
It is important to know that some people with Type 2 Diabetes have no symptoms.
Diagnosing Diabetes and pre-diabetes
Fasting plasma glucose test measures blood glucose after an 8 hour fast (diabetes and pre-diabetes)
Oral glucose tolerance test measures blood glucose after an 8 hour fast and 2 ours after drinking a glucose beverage (diabetes, pre-diabetes and gestational diabetes)
Random plasma glucose test measures blood glucose regardless of when the patient last ate (diabetes only)
Blood tests to check for kidney disease
The fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) is preferred because it is convenient and cheaper however, it is not always accurate.
An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is more sensitive than the FPG test but less convenient.
The random plasma glucose test can determine if a person has diabetes but will not show if a person has pre-diabetes.
Treatment of Adult Diabetes
For many people with adult diabetes, weight reduction is extremely important. A healthy diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables and low in cholesterol and calories plus an exercise program will help maintain your ideal body weight.
Adult diabetes can be controlled with medications taken by mouth or injected. One in three people use injections of insulin. Treatment plans may include both long-acting and short-acting insulin to accommodate eating patterns. This is usually the most successful way of controlling blood sugar. Medicines are also available to reduce the risk of complications, lower cholesterol and control blood pressure.
Treatment of adult diabetes will require adjustment over time. As we age, insulin resistance increases. After several years, many diabetics will require more than one medication to control blood sugar. Frequent blood sugar testing will help check your glucose levels. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, cutting down on alcohol and quitting smoking will all reduce the risk of nerve pain and damage.
The prognosis for those with adult diabetes will vary and depends on modification of the risk of complications. Careful attention to your blood sugar levels, a healthy diet and regular exercise plus reducing any other risks of heart disease can help you live a long and fulfilling life.