Diabetes: A Brief Overview of Diabetes
Diabetes:A Brief Overview of Diabetes
After eating, most food is turned into glucose, the bodys main source of energy.What Happens When We Eat?
In people without diabetes, glucose stays in a healthy range becauseNormal Blood Glucose ControlInsulin is released at the right times and in the right amountsInsulin helps glucose enter cells
In diabetes, blood glucose builds up for several possible reasonsHigh Blood Glucose (Hyperglycemia)Too little insulin is madeLiver releases too much glucoseCells cant use insulin well
Symptoms of HyperglycemiaIncreased thirstIncreased urinationBlurry visionFeeling tiredSlow healing of cuts or woundsMore frequent infectionsWeight lossNausea and vomiting
Hyperglycemia Can Cause Serious Long-Term ProblemsBlindnessKidney diseaseNerve damageAmputationHeart attackStroke
Chronic complications of diabetes
Two Main Types of DiabetesPancreas makes too little or no insulinType 1 diabetesType 2 diabetesCells do not use insulin well (insulin resistance)Ability for pancreas to make insulin decreases over time
Type 1 Diabetes1 in 20 people with diabetes have type 1Most people are under age 20 when diagnosedBody can no longer make insulinInsulin is always needed for treatment
Symptoms of Type 1 DiabetesWeight lossLoss of energyIncreased thirstFrequent urinationDiabetic ketoacidosis (emergency condition of nausea, vomiting, dehydration. Can lead to coma)
Symptoms usually start suddenly
Managing Type 1 DiabetesBlood glucose monitoringEducationHealthy food choicesPhysical activityInsulin
Before and After Insulin TreatmentDiscovery of insulin in 1921 changed type 1 from a deathsentence to a chronic disease7-year-old child before and 3 months after insulin therapy
Type 2 DiabetesMost people with diabetes have type 2Most people are over age 40 when diagnosed, but type 2 is becoming more common younger adults, children and teensType 2 is more likely in people who:Are overweightAre non-CaucasianHave a family history of type 2
Symptoms of Type 2 DiabetesUsually subtle or no symptoms in early stages:Increased thirstIncreased urinationFeeling tiredBlurred visionMore frequent infectionsSymptoms may be mistaken for other situations or problems1 in 4 with type 2 arent aware they have it
Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes May Change Over a LifetimeAlways Includes:EducationHealthy eatingBlood glucose monitoringPhysical Activity
May Include:Medications, including insulin
Risk Factors for Type 2 DiabetesBeing overweightSedentary lifestyleFamily history of diabetesHistory of gestational diabetesAgeEthnic/racial background:African AmericanHispanic/LatinoNative AmericanAsian American
What is Prediabetes?1 in 3 American adults (79 million) have prediabetesOccurs before type 2 diabetesBlood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet diabetesMost people with prediabetes dont know they have it