What is diabetes?
The term "diabetes" means that a person's blood
sugar (glucose) levels are too high. This is associated with an organ
called the pancreas which produces a hormone called insulin. Diabetes
is what happens when the pancreas either does not produce insulin at
all (type 1) or it does not produce enough insulin, or the body is not
using the insulin that is produced properly (type 2). There are three
types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
- Frequent urination (in large quantities)
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue (weak and tired)
- Dehydration
- Extreme hunger
- Irritability and mood changes
- Rapid weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Frequent infections of the skin
- Recurring skin, gum or urinary tract infections
- Itching of skin and/or genital areas
- Drowsiness
- Slow healing of cuts and bruises
- Tingling or numbness in the legs, feet or fingers
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach pains may accompany some
of the symptoms in the abrupt onset of insulin-dependent diabetes and
must receive immediate medical attention.
These symptoms are caused by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent
or juvenile diabetes and there is no known cause for the disease. A
type 1 diabetic is usually diagnosed as a child or before the age of
20. It is however possible for an adult to be diagnosed with type 1
diabetes. With type 1 diabetes the pancreas stops producing the hormone
insulin and injections are required. There is currently no cure for
type 1 diabetes.
What causes type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is when the body's immune system
attacks and destroys the beta cells that produce insulin. There is no
known cause for type 1 diabetes, but researchers believe that both
genetics and environmental triggers play a big part in the development
of type 1 diabetes.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is also referred to as adult-onset
diabetes. The pancreas either does not create enough insulin, or the
person's body does not appropriately use the insulin it makes. When
you have type 2 diabetes, sugar builds up in your bloodstream instead
of being used for energy. Many factors can increase the chances of
getting type 2 diabetes, such as: family history, high blood pressure,
a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight or having high cholesterol.
Race can also increase the chances of having type 2 diabetes:
Aboriginal, Hispanic, African, Asian or South Asian are populations
that generally have a higher risk.
What causes type 2 diabetes?
Some factors that can contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes are:
- Being overweight
- Family history
- Being a member of a high-risk ethnic group such as
American Indian, Latino, Alaskan Native, Asian, Pacific Islander or
African American
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Not exercising
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
A type 1 one diabetic relies completely on insulin
therapy and diet and there is currently no cure. Type 2 diabetics can
either control blood sugars through medication, diet and exercise, and
occasionally it can require insulin therapy as well. Type 2 can be
treated in many ways or with a combination of these treatments
mentioned above. Type 2 is sometimes preventable; the best way to
prevent diabetes is to exercise regularly and maintain a body weight
that is appropriate for your height. However, some people have such a
strong genetic disposition to type 2 diabetes or to obesity that weight
loss and exercise simply cannot prevent the disease.
What is pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes is sometimes diagnosed prior to being
diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes does not require
medication and when diagnosed the chance of it developing into type 2
diabetes can be dramatically decreased by taking immediate action.
Blood sugar levels can be reduced by making some simple lifestyle
changes, such as including exercise in your daily activities and
choosing to make healthy, low-fat meal choices.
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that
starts during pregnancy. It affects about 4% of all pregnant women, and
usually begins in the 5th or 6th month of pregnancy (between 24 and 28
weeks). Most often, gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is
born.
What type of foods should a diabetic eat?
Is it always a good idea to meet with a dietician
after being diagnosed with diabetes to establish an appropriate meal
plan. Charlotte Varem-Sanders is an Edmonton Registered Dietician, and
can answer diet-related questions at varsan@telus.net. Health Canada has recently developed a new Healthy Eating Guide that diabetics can use. ADF has diabetic-friendly Company's Coming Cookbooks. Foods with a low-glycemic index are an ideal choice for a diabetic. For examples of low-glycemic foods, click here.
What is insulin?
Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that
allows the body to keep the level of glucose within a normal range. A
diabetic either does not produce any insulin, not enough insulin, or
does not use insulin properly.
What is an insulin pump?
An insulin pump is a pager-sized device that can be
worn by an insulin-dependent diabetic which delivers insulin around the
clock, much like a healthy pancreas. Insulin pump therapy is the most
advanced method for precise and adjustable insulin delivery, and is an
exceptional alternative to multiple daily injections (MDI) for the
treatment of diabetes.
Commercial insulin pumps are external devices
that are not implanted in the body. The injection device is inserted
with an introducer needle, just under the skin. After the needle is
removed, there is a small flexible tube called a canula left in place
which is connected to the pump through a plastic tubing. Discuss
insulin pump therapy with your physician to see if you are a good
candidate.
What are some risks associated with diabetes?
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease and stroke
- Eye damage
- Nerve damage
- Impotence
- Foot problems (which could lead to gangrene)
- Limb Amputation
- Blindness
- Premature death
These health risks are preventable with well-controlled blood sugars and a healthy lifestyle.
What is a normal blood glucose (sugar) level?
For a diabetic, a normal blood glucose level
reading before meals is between 4.0 and 7.0 mmol/l (millomoles per
litre) and a normal reading two hours after eating is between 5.0 and
10.0 mmmol/l.
What is hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is a low blood glucose (sugar) reading that is below your target range (generally lower than 4.0 mmol/l).
What causes hypoglycemia?
- Exercise
- Eating too little for the amount of medication taken
- Taking too much medication
What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
- Feeling shaky or weak
- Increased heart rate
- Hunger
- Sweating
- Clammy
- Trouble speaking
- Tired
- Tingling in lips or tongue
How do I treat hypoglycemia?
A low blood sugar should be treated with 15 grams of rapid acting glucose such as:
- 15 grams of Glucose tablets
- 3 teaspoons or 3 packets of sugar dissolved in water
- 3/4 cup of juice or regular soft drink
- 6 Life Savers
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Wait 15 minutes after the first treatment and then test blood sugar and treat again if reading remains below 5.0 mmol/l.
What is hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia is a high blood glucose reading that is above your target range (generally higher than 11.0 mmol/l).
What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?
- Extreme thirst
- Blurred vision
- Feeling tired
- Frequent urination
How do I treat hyperglycemia?
Consult your
physician on the dose of medication you are taking. The medication may
need to be increased or you may need to discuss a plan of action to
take when you experience a high blood sugar level.
How much do diabetic supplies cost?
There are many costs associated with controlling
diabetes. Type 1 diabetics sometimes require different medication than
type 2 diabetics. Some supplies may include:
|
Box of 100 glucose-testing strips |
$100 |
|
Box of syringes (100/box) |
$25-30 |
|
Lancets (100/box) |
$10 |
|
Insulin vials |
$20-30 |
|
Oral Medications |
$100-$150/month |
Medication for a diabetic can be anywhere between $2000 and $5000 annually.
I am going to be traveling. What should I do?
When traveling always ensure that you have twice as many supplies as
you think you may need. You never know if your trip may be extended and
if the diabetic supplies you need will be available where you are
going. If you are traveling by plane, keep your insulin, pills and
blood glucose monitor in your carry-on bag. The airlines are usually
quite understandable if you explain that you are diabetic.
When starting an exercise program, where do I begin?
Always consult your physician before starting an exercise program.
Start slowly by walking just ten to twenty minutes a day and work your
way up to thirty minutes a day. It is sometimes easier for a diabetic
(especially an insulin-dependent) to split up the workload into
increments. A total of 30 minutes a day could be broken down to three
10 minute walks. Running or other intense exercise is possible for a
diabetic but sometimes glucose is needed throughout the duration of
exercise. You should check your blood glucose level before, during and
after exercise to evaluate what needs to be done at that point in time
and also to assist with future prevention of hypoglycemia.
Some preventative measures can be taken to avoid
low blood sugars during exercise. A diabetic can eat some extra
carbohydrates (usually an extra 15 grams) before exercise, take less
insulin prior to exercise or drink a high carbohydrate drink during
intense exercise. Remember to consult your physician first to ensure
that your exercise program is appropriate for your situation.
Is it true that eating too much sugar can cause diabetes?
No, this is not true. However, if
you are consuming high caloric foods and you are overweight you
increase your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
I have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. What should I do?
Ask your physician to give you a referral to a diabetes education
program. Meet with a Registered Dietician who can assist with setting
up a diabetic food guide for you to get started. Charlotte
Varem-Sanders is an Edmonton Registered Dietician. She can be reached
at varsan@telus.net
Why is foot care so important for diabetics?
Diabetes affects the body's blood circulation, which in turn affects
the feet. Extreme cases of nerve and foot disorders (neuropathy) may
lead to foot or leg amputations. Always wear socks (sandals or
open-toed shoes are not recommended) and ensure you clean and dry your
feet thoroughly each day. Checking your feet daily and having a doctor
periodically examine your feet can help prevent serious complications.
If you are diabetic and are experiencing problems with your feet,
inform your physician and get a referral to a Podiatrist. For more
information, you can contact the Alberta Podiatry Association.
Are there diabetes support groups in my area?
For support groups in Edmonton, click here. Visit the Capital Health
website or call 1-866-408-5465 for more information and other
locations. There are many dieticians in Edmonton that can assist with
setting up an eating guide. The Dieticians of Canada website is a
useful database to search for Canadian Registered Dieticians in your
area.
What is ADI?
In 2007 the Alberta Diabetes Institute (ADI) opened its doors. The ADI
is a state-of-the-art research centre at the University of Alberta
dedicated to discovering new methods to prevent, treat and cure
diabetes and to rapidly translating these discoveries into patient
care. To learn more, click here.
How can I volunteer for the Alberta Diabetes Foundation?
ADF is always looking for volunteers! To learn more, or to fill out a Volunteer Application, click here, or call Trina at 780-492-9541.
How do I become an ADF Member?
It's easy! Just click here or speak with Denise at 780-492-6107
Wanting to donate clothing or furniture?
Unfortunatley we do not accept clothing or furniture donations but here is a list of charitable organizations that do:
|
Edmonton Bissell Centre |
780-423-2285 |
|
Cerebral Palsy Association |
1-800-477-8030 |
|
The Salvation Army |
780-437-6861 |
*Disclaimer: The informatin given above is provided by a experienced diabetic. Always seek the advice of a qualified physican.
