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Diabetes
1.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which a gland called the pancreas
does not secrete adequate insulin to meet a person's needs.
This results in blood sugars that are higher than normal. 2.
Are there different types of diabetes?
There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes was
formerly known as juvenile-onset, however, diagnosis is not
limited by age. The pancreas stops producing insulin in type
1, therefore daily insulin injections are a must. Type 2
diabetes, formerly adult-onset, is the most common of the two.
There are a variety of treatments for type 2 diabetes,
including diet and exercise, pills and/or insulin. It is no
longer considered a condition confined to adults. Type 2
diabetes has been diagnosed in children as young as 4 years
old. 3.
How do I know if I have diabetes?
If you are tired, experiencing frequent urination, increased
thirst and hunger, or have a wound that won't heal, you may
have diabetes. You should visit your doctor and have blood
drawn. Diabetes can be diagnosed with a simple lab test. If a
fasting blood sugar test is greater than or equal to126, you
may have diabetes. The test should be repeated to confirm. Two
fasting blood sugar tests with results greater than or equal
to 126 is positive for the diagnosis of diabetes. It is no
longer necessary to have a glucose tolerance test. Many
people with diabetes do not experience any symptoms
at all! The following are at greater risk of developing
diabetes and should be checked. -
Individuals who have family members with diabetes
- Individuals who are overweight and sedentary
- Individuals who have high blood pressure and low good
cholesterol/high triglycerides
- Individuals belonging to certain minority groups (African
American, - Hispanic, Asian, American Indian)
- Women who have had babies weighing more than 9 pounds 4.
What should my blood sugar be?
If you have diabetes, the American Diabetes Association
recommends the following: Fasting
and before meals 90-130mg/dl
Before bedtime 110-150mg/dl If
you are consistently running higher (or lower), check with
your doctor. He or she may need to make a change in your
treatment plan. 5.
Why are so many children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?
The incidence of obesity in young children, adolescence and
teens has increased dramatically over the years. In addition,
activity levels have decreased. Anyone who is overweight and
sedentary is at greater risk for developing diabetes. 6.
Is there a way to prevent diabetes?
It is very exciting and recent that the answer is yes! The
Diabetes Prevention Program is a study which clearly showed
that modest weight loss (7-10 lbs.) with regular exercise was
most effective in preventing diabetes in persons at risk. 7.
If I have diabetes do I have to go on a special diet?
Actually, the diet recommended for persons with diabetes is a
healthy diet
for everyone! It includes food from all the major food groups
with emphasis on eating less fat, incorporating more
vegetables and fruit and using more whole grain products
(whole wheat bread, cereals, crackers) to increase fiber
intake. You are not required to buy special "diabetic" foods - in fact, even foods containing
sugar may be used in moderate amounts! It would be wise to
seek the help of a registered dietitian. 8.
If I start taking insulin, can I ever stop?
If you have type 1 diabetes the answer is no. You must take
insulin every day for the rest of your life. For type 2
diabetes, insulin may be temporarily added for some situations
to adequately control your blood sugars. If normal blood sugar
control is achieved without insulin, it may be discontinued.
However, we now know that the normal progression of type 2
diabetes is to require more medications and insulin over time. 9.
If I am diagnosed with diabetes, will I have to go on
disability?
Absolutely not! Current treatments allow people to lead
completely normal lives. It is important for individuals with
diabetes to be proactively involved in good healthcare
practices. Good diabetes management led to a gold medal for
Gary Hall, Jr. in the 2000 summer Olympics! 10.
Which type of diabetes is worse?
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes, if uncontrolled, are equally
bad. Early detection and treatment will help prevent
diabetes-related complications. There are excellent
treatment options for both types of diabetes. If you
suspect that you might have diabetes, get checked! 11:
What program works with diabetes at UAMS Medical Center?
The
Arkansas Diabetes Program. Team members include:
Debra
Simmons, MD
Medical Director
Kathy
Riordan, RN,CDE
Diabetes Nurse Educator
Jan Wall,
MS,RD,LD,CDE
Program Coordinator
Diabetes Nutrition Specialist
Making
an Appointment at UAMS Medical Center
To make an appointment, call 1-501-686-8000.
To make an appointment, call 1-501-686-8000.
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