Did you know….

• 537 million adults have diabetes, but 1 in 4 are unaware of their diagnosis 
• Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined
• Some studies indicate that individuals with diabetes are at much greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia

A diagnosis of diabetes can be scary, but it doesn’t have to limit you from leading a healthy and productive life. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, caring for someone with diabetes, or someone seeking general knowledge about diabetes, the most impactful way to approach this disease is to learn all you can and understand your risk factors and the modifications YOU can make to reduce those risks. Below is a simple outline of the disease for your review.

Types of Diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes: (Your body doesn’t make insulin)
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. With Type 1 diabetes, your body doesn’t produce insulin because your immune system mistakes the insulin-making cells (islet cells) in your pancreas for invaders and then attacks the islet cells, destroying your body’s natural ability to produce insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections. Their bodies don’t make it, and they can’t stay healthy without it.
Type 2 diabetes: (Your body has difficulty using the insulin it makes)
This is called insulin resistance and it happens when the cells in your muscles, liver, and fat stop responding to insulin. Those with Type 2 Diabetes find that as time goes by their pancreas will generally make less and less insulin until eventually, it may not make any at all. It’s estimated that about 90% of those living with diabetes, have Type 2. It is not unusual for this type to take medications and/or insulin injections as their bodies produce less and less.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes:  What to look for?
Below are some typical signs and symptoms but remember symptoms of diabetes can be mild and may sometimes go unnoticed.  If you notice any changes or are not feeling well, I urge you to see your physician for an evaluation.

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Feeling hungry -even during or after eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Injuries that are slower to heal (cuts and bruises)
• Weight loss – unexplained
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in your hands or feet

Complications of Diabetes:
Diabetes can lead to many more serious health issues, but with correct management and treatment and some lifestyle changes, many people with diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of these complications. Early detection and treatment can decrease the risk of developing more serious complications associated with diabetes.

• Cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of death with diabetes
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) – Diabetes is the leading cause.
• Diabetes-related Eye Disease – Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness.
• Neuropathy (Nerve Damage) – Affects about 50% of those with diabetes.
• Foot/Circulation Issues – Diabetes causes decreased circulation, nerve damage, and loss of limb.
• Skin Disease – Your biggest organ can see changes with diabetes.
• Gum Disease – There is an increased risk for gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Hearing Loss – Diabetes doubles your risk for hearing loss.
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis – A life-threatening condition associated primarily with Type 1.
• Stoke – Your risk of stroke doubles with diabetes.
• Risk Factors for Diabetes: Understanding the risk factors will allow you to set goals to change the ones you can.
• Genetics/Family History
• Age: > 45 yrs of age
• Ethnicity: African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Being overweight
• Polycystic Ovarian syndrome
• History of gestational diabetes
• Hypertension
• High Cholesterol

Lifestyle Changes for Prevention:
Prevention is especially important if you’re at increased risk of type 2 diabetes (the most common form of the disease)  because of excess weight or obesity, high cholesterol, or a family history of diabetes. Making a few changes in your lifestyle now may help you avoid the serious health complications of diabetes in the future, such as nerve, kidney, and heart damage. It’s never too late to start.

• Lose some excess weight: You can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by almost 60% by losing just  7-10% of your body weight with changes in exercise and diet.
• Exercise can help you: 1) Lose weight, 2) lower your blood sugar, and 3) boost your sensitivity to insulin (which keeps your blood sugars within normal)
  • Check out one of our fitness classes offered here on the campus of St. Luke’s (Tai Chi, Yoga, Pickleball, Bootcamp, and Senior Exercise Classes) Click HERE to learn more details about these classes.
• Eat a Healthy Diet which includes fiber-rich foods
• Monitor your glucose levels closely if you have already been diagnosed.

I encourage you to work closely with your primary physician or endocrinologist so you can be properly screened for diabetes or for continued management of this disease. Educating yourself about diabetes and then being proactive in reducing your risk factors will help prevent the development of diabetes.  If you are experiencing any symptoms or have any concerns, I encourage you to reach out to your medical team.  Your physician can connect you to additional resources, dieticians, and support groups to support you.

Lisa Crump, RN. BSN. FCN.
Parish Nurse, SLUMC