Types of Diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2
Type 1 Diabetes:
This is a condition where the pancreas is no longer making insulin. The body is then unable to move sugar (fuel) into the cells for energy and a significant build-up in the blood occurs (hyperglycemia).
Treatment Options:
There is no option, if your body does not make insulin, you must take a shot everyday to live. In addition, you must eat healthy meals and snacks. Daily exercise is also very important in helping to control blood sugar.
Type 2 Diabetes:
In this type of diabetes, the pancreas is still making insulin; however, it is not making enough or the insulin is not working as it should for normal control. Again, the result is the sugar builds up in the blood (hyperglycemia), which makes you sick and can damage different parts of your body over time.
Treatment Options:
The first avenue of treatment is diet and exercise. Weight loss will often help lower blood sugar. If this does not help, you may have to take diabetes pills or even insulin shots.
Reference: Lexington County Health Department, PAM-DHS 141, 8/95
New Diagnosis:
Blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. There are 41 million people in the United States, ages 40 to 74, who have pre-diabetes. Recent research has shown that some long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already be occurring during pre-diabetes.
Research has also shown that if you take action to manage your blood glucose when you have pre-diabetes, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes from ever developing.
There are two different tests your doctor can use to determine whether you have pre-diabetes: the fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) or the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
Risk Factors: “Could You be Living With a Killer?”
Did you know that approximately 1 in every 2 adult Kentuckians are at increased risk for developing diabetes?
If you are:
1. Over 45 years of age
2. Overweight – BMI (body mass index) 25 or higher
3. Have a family history of diabetes
4. Inactive lifestyle: exercise fewer than three times a week
5. You have delivered a baby weighing greater than 9 pounds
6. You had gestational diabetes during your pregnancy
7. African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic and
African/Latino Heritage
8. Blood Pressure: 140/90 mm/Hg or higher
9. Cholesterol: Abnormal lipid levels:
a. HDL cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL for men and less thank 50 mg/dL for women
b. Triglyceride level 250 mg/dL or higher
Data Source: Kentucky Diabetes Control Program
Warning Signs
If you meet one or more of the risk factors for diabetes and you experience any of the following symptoms you should contact your family physician for assessment.
Symptoms of Diabetes:
1. Frequent Urination
2. Increased Thirst
3. Increased Hunger
4. Rapid weight loss/gain
5. Irritability
6. Blurred Vision
7. Nausea and Vomiting
8. Numbness in Hands or Feet
9. Slow healing of cuts or scrapes
10. Fatigue
11. Increased Dental Caries
Diabetes Self Management Education (DSME)
DSME is an education series taught by a healthcare team from the Franklin County Health Dept and Frankfort Regional Medical Center. The team consists of Registered Nurses, a Registered Dietitian, and a Pharmacist. It is designed to present a comprehensive picture of diabetes management techniques to local communities utilizing a set curriculum. The course involves the following objectives:
· Discusses the risk factors and prevention measures associated with diabetes
· States the diagnostic criteria for diabetes
· Describes basic nutrition guidelines according to the MyPyramid Plan
· States the benefits associated with exercise/activity in persons with diabetes
· Discuss recommendations for meal planning
· Review latest diabetes medications and their role in diabetes management
DSME classes are offered quarterly at various times during the day. For more information or to inquire on the next available class series contact Debbie Bell at (502) 564-5559.