DIABETES AND YOU
Diabetes Mellitus is the name given to a group of metabolic diseases which are based around and elevated level of fasting blood glucose (Hyperglycemia). Hyperglycemia occurs because of defects in the production, secretion or use of insulin. Insulin is a hormone which is involved in a number of chemical interactions that ensure the body meets its energy requirements. Maintenance of elevated blood glucose levels can lead to an increased risk for an array of vascular diseases and neuropathies of the peripheral and autonomic nervous system. Diabetes is diagnosed by a variety of tests but most commonly your family doctor can test your blood glucose levels via one of these three methods; Fasting Blood Glucose Test (7.0mmol/L), Casual Blood Glucose Test (11.0mmol/L) or Glucose Tolerance Test (11.1mmol/L). If your blood glucose is more than or equal to these three concentrations on two occasions then Diabetes Mellitus is indicated.
Forms of Diabetes
Type I : Diagnosis of Type I diabetes usually occurs in childhood or adolescents and is caused by an autoimmune destruction of the cells responsible (β cells) for insulin production in the pancreas, and it accounts for around 5-10% of all diabetic cases.
Type II : This form of DM develops in clients which are not producing enough insulin or who are not using the insulin which is being produced efficiently enough. Type II is often (although not exclusively) associated with excess body fat, specifically upper body fat (abdomen) as opposed to total body fat. This is the most commonly diagnosed form and accounts for around 85-90% of cases.
Gestational Diabetes: This is a temporary condition which occurs while a mother is pregnant and can create an increased risk of the development of diabetes for the mother and child. This occurs in less than 5% of diagnosed cases.
Other specific origins: A small percentage (<2%) of the diagnosed cases are a result of genetic defects or are drug induced.
Prediabetes: This is the patient population which has a blood glucose level which is higher than normal but is not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type II diabetes. Fasting plasma glucose level of 5.55mmol/L -6.94mmol/L.
Metabolic Syndrome: This is another term which describes a group of conditions which increases the risk of developing Type II diabetes. If you have 3 or more of the following: High Fasting Blood glucose levels (≥5.6mmol/L ), High Blood Pressure (≥130/85mm Hg), High level of Triglycerides (≥1.7mmol/L), Low HDL (≤1.0mmol/L men or ≤1.3 mmol/L women), Abdominal obesity (40 inches Men, 35inches Women).
Risk Factors (Am I at risk?)
Age is a risk factor for Type II diabetes by itself so if you are over 40 years then you should be tested at least every three years. However if any of the following points apply to you then you should be tested earlier and more regularly.
- You have immediate family member who has diabetes
- You are from a high-risk group (Aboriginal, Hispanic, South Asian, Asian, or African descent).
- You gave birth to a baby that weighed over 4kg (9lbs) at birth
- You had gestational diabetes
- You have been told that you have impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose.
- You have high blood pressure (≥130/85mm Hg)
- You have high Cholesterol (LDL) or Triglyceride levels in your blood.
- You are overweight (especially if weight is carried around the abdomen).
- You have Polycystic ovary syndrome, Acanthosis nigricans or schizophrenia
How to spot Diabetes Symptoms
Type II diabetes is sometimes referred to as a silent disease, because it is certainly possible to have it and not be fully aware of it. Paying attention to the potential risk factors for Type II diabetes and regular check ups with your family doctor is the best way of avoiding Type II diabetes. However there are some common symptoms that may arise which when combined with the above risk factors may provide cause for further diabetes testing. Some of these symptoms are: Frequent urination, weight change (loss or gain), dramatic loss of energy, blurred vision, frequent or recurring infections, slow healing cuts and bruises, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, or erectile dysfunction.
The Good and the Not so Good news
As you can tell from the risk factors for Type II diabetes a large proportion of the risks are lifestyle related and therefore considered changeable or reversible. If left unchecked these high blood glucose levels can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, vascular impairment, nerve damage, erectile dysfunction and blindness. However it is possible to live a long and healthy life by keeping your blood glucose levels and risk factors in check.
In general the fundamental goal for diabetes management of controlling glucose levels is attainable through healthy diet, exercise and in more serious cases medications (oral hypoglycemics or insulin). Exercise has been found to improve glucose tolerance, increase insulin sensitivity (absorption into muscles for use), decrease insulin requirement and HBA1C levels, not to mention the well known improvements for Cardiovascular disease risk factors (e.g. lipid profiles, blood pressure, body weight, and physical function). There fore increased activity is a must in any diabetes suffer or at risk person.
Since Diabetes Mellitus does have such close links with Cardiovascular, renal (kidney), nervous, and visual system illnesses it is highly recommended that if you are at risk or have been diagnosed with Diabetes that you get medical approval from your Physician prior to engaging in a exercise program.
Once you have received your clearance you can be sure that your new lifestyle changes, exercise routines and eating habits will lead you to feeling great inside and out for many years to come.
“Together we can make it happen”
Diabetes Mellitus is the name given to a group of metabolic diseases which are based around and elevated level of fasting blood glucose (Hyperglycemia). Hyperglycemia occurs because of defects in the production, secretion or use of insulin. Insulin is a hormone which is involved in a number of chemical interactions that ensure the body meets its energy requirements. Maintenance of elevated blood glucose levels can lead to an increased risk for an array of vascular diseases and neuropathies of the peripheral and autonomic nervous system. Diabetes is diagnosed by a variety of tests but most commonly your family doctor can test your blood glucose levels via one of these three methods; Fasting Blood Glucose Test (7.0mmol/L), Casual Blood Glucose Test (11.0mmol/L) or Glucose Tolerance Test (11.1mmol/L). If your blood glucose is more than or equal to these three concentrations on two occasions then Diabetes Mellitus is indicated.
Forms of Diabetes
Type I : Diagnosis of Type I diabetes usually occurs in childhood or adolescents and is caused by an autoimmune destruction of the cells responsible (β cells) for insulin production in the pancreas, and it accounts for around 5-10% of all diabetic cases.
Type II : This form of DM develops in clients which are not producing enough insulin or who are not using the insulin which is being produced efficiently enough. Type II is often (although not exclusively) associated with excess body fat, specifically upper body fat (abdomen) as opposed to total body fat. This is the most commonly diagnosed form and accounts for around 85-90% of cases.
Gestational Diabetes: This is a temporary condition which occurs while a mother is pregnant and can create an increased risk of the development of diabetes for the mother and child. This occurs in less than 5% of diagnosed cases.
Other specific origins: A small percentage (<2%) of the diagnosed cases are a result of genetic defects or are drug induced.
Prediabetes: This is the patient population which has a blood glucose level which is higher than normal but is not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type II diabetes. Fasting plasma glucose level of 5.55mmol/L -6.94mmol/L.
Metabolic Syndrome: This is another term which describes a group of conditions which increases the risk of developing Type II diabetes. If you have 3 or more of the following: High Fasting Blood glucose levels (≥5.6mmol/L ), High Blood Pressure (≥130/85mm Hg), High level of Triglycerides (≥1.7mmol/L), Low HDL (≤1.0mmol/L men or ≤1.3 mmol/L women), Abdominal obesity (40 inches Men, 35inches Women).
Risk Factors (Am I at risk?)
Age is a risk factor for Type II diabetes by itself so if you are over 40 years then you should be tested at least every three years. However if any of the following points apply to you then you should be tested earlier and more regularly.
- You have immediate family member who has diabetes
- You are from a high-risk group (Aboriginal, Hispanic, South Asian, Asian, or African descent).
- You gave birth to a baby that weighed over 4kg (9lbs) at birth
- You had gestational diabetes
- You have been told that you have impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose.
- You have high blood pressure (≥130/85mm Hg)
- You have high Cholesterol (LDL) or Triglyceride levels in your blood.
- You are overweight (especially if weight is carried around the abdomen).
- You have Polycystic ovary syndrome, Acanthosis nigricans or schizophrenia
How to spot Diabetes Symptoms
Type II diabetes is sometimes referred to as a silent disease, because it is certainly possible to have it and not be fully aware of it. Paying attention to the potential risk factors for Type II diabetes and regular check ups with your family doctor is the best way of avoiding Type II diabetes. However there are some common symptoms that may arise which when combined with the above risk factors may provide cause for further diabetes testing. Some of these symptoms are: Frequent urination, weight change (loss or gain), dramatic loss of energy, blurred vision, frequent or recurring infections, slow healing cuts and bruises, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, or erectile dysfunction.
The Good and the Not so Good news
As you can tell from the risk factors for Type II diabetes a large proportion of the risks are lifestyle related and therefore considered changeable or reversible. If left unchecked these high blood glucose levels can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, vascular impairment, nerve damage, erectile dysfunction and blindness. However it is possible to live a long and healthy life by keeping your blood glucose levels and risk factors in check.
In general the fundamental goal for diabetes management of controlling glucose levels is attainable through healthy diet, exercise and in more serious cases medications (oral hypoglycemics or insulin). Exercise has been found to improve glucose tolerance, increase insulin sensitivity (absorption into muscles for use), decrease insulin requirement and HBA1C levels, not to mention the well known improvements for Cardiovascular disease risk factors (e.g. lipid profiles, blood pressure, body weight, and physical function). There fore increased activity is a must in any diabetes suffer or at risk person.
Since Diabetes Mellitus does have such close links with Cardiovascular, renal (kidney), nervous, and visual system illnesses it is highly recommended that if you are at risk or have been diagnosed with Diabetes that you get medical approval from your Physician prior to engaging in a exercise program.
Once you have received your clearance you can be sure that your new lifestyle changes, exercise routines and eating habits will lead you to feeling great inside and out for many years to come.
“Together we can make it happen”
For more information and great links Go to:
Canadian Diabetes Association www.diabetes.ca/
American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org
Type II Diabetes http://diabetes.about.com/
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