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YOUDIABETES

A L A B A M A C O O P E R A T I V E E X T E N S I O N S Y S T E M

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D I A B E T E S & Y O U

A l a b a m a C o o p e r a t i v e E x t e n s i o n S y s t e m

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2 ∙ Alabama Cooperative Extension System

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes is a disease that affects the way some peoples’ bodies use the food they eat. The majority of food you eat turns into glucose, which is the main source of energy or fuel for your body. When you eat food, your body breaks down carbohydrates into digestible glucose. Glucose then enters the bloodstream and all the cells in your body use that glucose for fuel. For the glucose to get into the cells, a hormone called insulin must be present. Insulin is produced in a gland called the pancreas.

In a person with diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin and/or the body does not use the insulin properly (this is known as insulin resistance). Without insulin, glucose (fuel) cannot enter the cells. Glucose levels then rise in the bloodstream. This is called hyperglycemia (high blood glucose).

Words in red are in the glossary.

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Diabete s & You ∙ 3

People with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower their risk for complications.ARCHIVE


WHO GETS DIABETES?

There are currently about 25.8 million people in the United States with diabetes. Some people are more likely to

develop diabetes based on certain risk factors. Risk factors include the following:

• obesity• physical inactivity• heredity (relatives with diabetes)

The risk of developing diabetes also increases as people grow older.

People who are 40 years and older and overweight are more likely to develop diabetes. The incidence of type 2 diabetes (see page 7) in children and adolescents is growing. Diabetes is more common among people in certain ethnic groups such as Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. People diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) are more likely to develop diabetes later in life. Individuals who have or have had gestational diabetes should be exercising at least 30 minutes 5 times a week, eating a healthy diet, and losing 5–7 percent of their body weight if overweight.

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You cannot get diabetes by eating too much sugar. Your lifestyle behaviors do affect your risk, however. People who are less active, eat more than their body requires, and become obese are more likely to get diabetes at all ages.

The good news is that you can help prevent diabetes by achieving and maintaining a normal weight and by becoming more active. Your diabetes healthy meal plan will allow you to eat all foods in the correct amounts and in moderation. It is particu-larly important that you monitor your blood sugar after eating.

Engage in moderate-intensity physical activity for 30 to 60 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. Walking is a good thing.

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ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIABETES?

There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes

A person with type 1 diabetes has a pancreas that produces little or no insulin. Individuals with type 1 diabetes are required to take insulin. Diabetes can appear at any age, but it develops most often in children and young adults. Type 1 diabetes makes up 5–10 percent of all diabetes cases in the United States. ARCHIVE


Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is seen more in older age, although it is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents. It is also seen in people who are overweight, people who have a family history of diabetes, and in certain ethnic groups. Type 2 diabetes makes up 90–95 percent of all diabetes cases in the United States. Approximately 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs only in pregnancy and usually disappears after the birth of the baby. Women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes 10 to 15 years after the pregnancy. Approximately 3–8 percent of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes.

Be prepared for your appointment. Bring a list of symptoms and questions.

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WHAT ARE THE SYmPTOmS OF DIABETES?

People with diabetes frequently experience certain symptoms. These can include the following:

• unusual thirst • frequent urination • weight loss • increased hunger • blurry vision • irritability • tingling or numbness in the hands or feet • frequent skin, bladder, or gum infections • slow healing of wounds • fatigue

Some people may have no symptoms with diabetes. This happens at times with type 2 diabetes. This form of diabetes comes on so gradually that symptoms may not be noticed. In type 1 diabetes, the symptoms can be severe and come about very quickly. It is important to get regular checkups and to tell your doctor if you have a relative with diabetes.

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Exercise can help lower blood sugar.

make a list. Keep the telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of your support team—primary care physician, registered dietitian, pharmacist—in your wallet or next to your phone.

A brisk walk can help.

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WHAT SHOulD I DO IF I HAvE DIABETES?

• Get regular checkups and follow instructions from your health care provider.

• Monitor your blood glucose levels. Aim for glucose levels in an acceptable range.

• Follow a healthy eating plan recommended by your health care provider. Eating well-balanced meals in the correct amounts plays an important role in managing your diabetes.

• If you need medication, take your medication as prescribed.• Protect your heart and blood vessels. Eat a diet low in fat and

cholesterol to lower your risk for heart disease.• Achieve and maintain a reasonable weight. • Get regular eye checkups. • Inspect your feet daily. • Have an exercise plan. Always check with your doctor

before starting an exercise plan. Regular exercise has been shown to improve blood glucose levels and to help achieve a healthy weight.

• Aim for a health A1C below 7.

Common Foods for Type 2 Diabetes• Berries• Eggs• Extra virgin olive oil• Spinach or collard greens• Low-fat milk

• Nuts• Salmon• Sweet potatoes• Tea, green• Whole grain cereal

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Diabetes & You ∙ 11

Aim for glucose levels in an acceptable range—

80-120 mg/dl.

Keep family informed with

telephone numbers of your closest relations.

Aim for healthy fat and

cholesterol levels— under 200 mg/dl.

Get regular checkups from your health care provider—

every 3 to 6 months.

Have an exercise plan— at least 30 minutes 3 times a week.

Achieve and maintain a reasonable weight. Check with your doctor.

DIABETES MANAGEMENT

PLAN

• Nuts• Salmon• Sweet potatoes• Tea, green• Whole grain cereal

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DIABETES GlOSSARY

a1c

The hemoglobin A1C measures average glucose to monitor how effective blood sugar control has been for a 2- to 3-month period.DIaBETES

A disease in which the body is unable to properly process the glucose it gets from food.BlooD prESSurE

The pressure against the walls of blood vessels. High blood pressure is more common in persons with diabetes and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney, and eye diseases. It should be measured at every doctor visit, or at least once a year, with a goal of 130/80 mm Hg or lower.cholESTErol

A type of fat that is manufactured in the liver. It is also found in some common foods. Only animal foods such as eggs, milk, cheese, liver, meat, and poultry contain cholesterol.glucoSE

A simple form of sugar that is created when the body’s digestive processes break down the food a person eats. Glucose is used in the body for fuel and to provide energy.hypErglycEmIa

Higher-than-normal blood glucose levels (a reading of 140 mg/dL to 170mg/dL for people with diabetes). Symptoms include frequent urination, blurred vision, unusual thirst, and feeling tired. hypErTEnSIon

High blood pressure. This happens when blood flows through the blood vessels with a greater-than-normal force, which is defined as blood pressure equal to or greater than 140/90 mm Hg. Hypertension affects the majority of adults with diabetes. It increases a person’s risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.

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hypoglycEmIa

Lower-than-normal blood glucose levels (a reading of 70 mg/dL to 110mg/dL for people with diabetes). Symptoms include sudden weakness, headache, dizziness, anxiety, or extreme hunger. InSulIn

A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps send glucose from the bloodstream into cells to be converted to energy.

InSulIn rESISTancE

When the muscle, liver, and fat cells don’t properly use insulin. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and cells do not get the fuel they need to function.nEphropaThy

Diabetes-related kidney damage.

nEuropaThy

A nerve disorder caused by diabetes that affects different parts of the body—feet, hands, and organ systems.pancrEaS

A small gland located below and just behind the stomach that makes and stores insulin. prEDIaBETES

Having impaired fasting glucose (fasting plasma 100–125 mg/dl) or impaired glucose tolerance (140–199 mg/dl). Individuals with prediabetes are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

SaTuraTED faT

Fat that is solid at room temperature. Saturated fats raise blood cholesterol levels by interfering with the entry of cholesterol into cells, causing cholesterol to remain in the bloodstream longer and become a part of the plaque that builds up in the blood vessels.

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WHERE CAN I GET mORE INFORmATION?

Alabama Diabetes Prevention and Control Program

The Diabetes Branch of the Alabama Department of Public Health works in collaboration with many other programs within and outside of the Department to help people delay or prevent development of diabetes and to reduce complications related to the disease.

Alabama Department of Public Health201 Monroe Street, Suite 976Montgomery, AL 36104Ph: (334) 206-5300Fax: (334) 206-5609 Website: www.adph.org/diabetes

Camp Seale Harris and Camp Sugar Falls

These camps for children with diabetes are sponsored by the Alabama Affiliate of the American Diabetes Association. Children enjoy all the usual camp activities and develop independence in the management of their diabetes.

Southeastern Diabetes Education Services500 Chase Park South, Suite 104Hoover, AL 35244Ph: (205) 402-0415E-mail: [email protected]


American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure, and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes.

American Diabetes Association1701 North Beauregard StreetAlexandria, VA 22311Ph: (800) DIABETES (342-2383)Website: www.diabetes/org

MedicAlert Foundation International

The MedicAlert Foundation is a nonprofit health care informatics organization dedicated to providing services that protect and save lives. MedicAlert services are built around a repository of health information that enables members to manage their personal health records while maintaining security, privacy, and confidentiality.

MedicAlert2323 Colorado AvenueTurlock, CA 95382 Ph: (888) 633-4298/(209) 668-3333 from outside the U.S. Fax: (209) 669-2450Website: www.MedicAlert.org

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Division of Diabetes Translation, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

The Division of Diabetes Translation (DDT) is a part of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The division has about 100 employees in Atlanta, Georgia, plus several public health advisors in the field. CDC has had a diabetes division since 1977. In 1989, the name of the division was changed to Division of Diabetes Translation, meaning that the division translates science into daily practice.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention4770 Buford Highway NE. Mailstop K-10Atlanta, GA 30341-3717Ph: (800) CDC-INFO (232-4636)Fax: (770) 488-5966E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cdc.gov/diabetes

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International ( JDRF) is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International 120 Wall Street, 19th FloorNew York, NY 10005Ph: (800) 533-2873Website: www.jdrf.org

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National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) is an information dissemination service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse1 Information WayBethesda, MD 20892-3560Ph: (800) 860-8747TTY: (866) 569-1162Fax: (703) 738-4929E-mail: [email protected]

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts and supports basic and clinical research on many of the most serious diseases affecting public health, including diabetes.

Building 31, Room 9A0631 Center Drive, MSC 2560Bethesda, MD 20892-2560Ph: (301) 496-3583Website: www.niddk.nih.gov

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Alabama Cooperative Extension System

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) is the primary outreach organization for the land-grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University. ACES delivers research-based educational programs on a full range of topics, including diabetes, enabling people to improve their quality of life.

Alabama Cooperative Extension SystemFamily and Consumer Sciences/Human Nutrition, Diet, and Health107A Duncan HallAuburn University, AL 36849Ph: (334) 844-7007Website: www.aces.edu

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