LEARNING ABOUT DIABETESWhat is Diabetes?

This presentation will help you:

understand what diabetes is

help better understand and manage your diabetes.

you'll see that it's not just possible to live with diabetes; it's possible to live well with it.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes: is a metabolic disease (how the body uses digested food for growth and energy)

Characterized by high levels of blood glucose and how insulin (hormone) works with the body.

What is insulin?

Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas

Insulin is necessary for glucose to get into cells so they can be used as a fuel source and to convert to other needed chemicals.

Food, glucose and insulin

Food is converted to glucose before it is used by the blood and body as fuel.

As a result, blood glucose levels in the body rise.

In response to this, the Pancreas release Insulin into the blood.

*about two-thirds of the body's cells use Insulin to absorb glucose from the blood

What happens in diabetes?

With diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin, or the cells don’t respond properly to the insulin

Glucose builds up in blood, overflows into urine and passes out of body in urine

So, body loses main source of fuel (glucose)

Types of Diabetes

Type I

Type II

Gestational

Type I Diabetes

Used to be called “juvenile-onset” Autoimmune disease Immune system attacks and destroys the

insulin-producing cells in the pancreas so the pancreas produces little or no insulin

Must take insulin to live If not diagnosed or treated, patient can go into

a diabetic coma and die

Type II Diabetes

Also called ‘Adult onset’. (90-95% )

Pancreas is producing insulin, but body can’t use insulin (called insulin resistance) As a result, insulin production decreases

Associated with age, obesity, family history, previous history with gestational, physical inactivity and ethnicity

About 80% are overweight or obese (life style disease)

Type 2 onset is slow and gradual. You may experience hunger and thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and slow healing of wounds.

Gestational Diabetes

• Developed by some women late in pregnancy• About 2 to 10% develop, could be related to

family history and ethnicity. • Women who have had this have 35 to 60%

chance of developing Type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years

• (Postpartum 6 weeks return normal)• Maintaining reasonable weight and exercising

may help prevent

Diagnostic Findings

Hemoglobin A1C>6.5% (Normal: 4-6%)

Fasting Plasma (blood) glucose >126/dL (Normal: 70-120mg/dL)

Plasma glucose > 200 mg/dL + symptom of DM

Glucose Tolerant Test: 2 hour post-prandial glucose: >200mg/dL

Screen for risks (ex. lifestyle, history etc.)

Symptoms DM

3 Ps (polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia) Fatigue, weakness, sudden vision

changes Prone to infection, delayed healing Vascular disease Tingling, numbness in hands and feet

Problems with Diabetes

Possible Complications Eye problems Feet and skin can develop sores and

infections. Affect blood pressure and cholesterol Nerves in your body can get damaged Kidney damage

Prevention and Control

Treatment Goal of treatment: lower your high blood

glucose levels. Long-term goals are to prevent problems from

diabetes. The most important way to treat and manage

type 2 diabetes is activity and nutrition.

Managing Your Blood Sugar

Checking your blood sugar levels (glucometer) and write down the results tells you how well you are managing your diabetes.

Keep these factors in mind: Most people with type 2 diabetes only need to check their blood

sugar once or twice a day. You may test yourself when you wake up, before meals, and at

bedtime. You may need to test more often when you are sick or under

stress.

Diet and Weight Control

Managing your weight and having a well-balance diet are important.

Work closely with your doctor, nurse, and dietitian.

Your meal plans should fit your lifestyle and habits and should include foods that you like.

Regular Physical Activity

Reasons why exercise is good for your health:

Lowers your blood sugar Burns extra calories and fat (manage weight) Improves blood flow and blood pressure Increases your energy level Improves your ability to handle stress (Make sure you talk to your doctor)

Medications to Treat Diabetes

Most common types of medication Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors Biguanides DPP IV inhibitors Injectable medicines Meglitinides Sulfonylureas Thiazolidinediones Insulin

Foot Care

To prevent problems with your feet:

Stop smoking if you smoke. Improve control of your blood sugar. Get a foot exam by your doctor at least twice a year

and learn if you have nerve damage. Check and care for your feet every day. This is very

important when you already have nerve or blood vessel damage or foot problems.

Make sure you wear the right kind of shoes. Ask your doctor what is right for you.

Support Groups

American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/

St. Francis Hospital (Diabetes Self-Management Program) www.sfh.reshealth.org