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Did You Know?

Diabetes is a disease characterized by high blood glucose (or "sugar") levels, and occurs when the body cannot properly convert food into fuel. It is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States, affecting almost 16 million people, and its incidence is on the rise.

 

Experts believe these numbers might be less than actual, since about 1/3 of people with diabetes are unaware they have the disease. (In the early stages, diabetes produces few symptoms, which may go undetected).

Serious complications resulting from poorly controlled diabetes include blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage that can lead to amputation. People with diabetes are also two to four times more likely to suffer from heart disease or have a stroke. While there is no known cure for diabetes, the good news is that it can be controlled with proper nutrition, exercise, stress management and medication. Thus, people with diabetes can lead healthy lives.

There are two main categories of diabetes: Type I and Type II:

Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, accounts for 5-10% of all cases of diabetes, and usually occurs in people under the age of 20. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce any insulin, so glucose cannot enter the cells, and thus is not available as an energy source for the body.

People with Type 1 diabetes usually have an immediate family member with the disease and are often Caucasian. Symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, irritability, and extreme fatigue.

People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day in order to maintain normal blood glucose levels and avoid complications.

Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes, accounts for 90-95% of all cases of diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin or, in some cases, the body does not properly utilize insulin that is released.

People at greatest risk for developing Type 2 diabetes include people who are overweight, 45 years of age or older, or have a family history of diabetes. Latinos, African Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders and Native Americans are particularly susceptible. Although often unnoticed, symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include fatigue, frequent urination, blurred eyesight, slow-healing sores or cuts, increased hunger or thirst, dry or itchy skin, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, recurrent infections, and sexual dysfunction. Type 2 diabetes can often be controlled through diet and exercise alone, but as the disease progresses, many people need to manage it with oral medication or insulin injections.

Diabetes is known as the silent killer.  If you have any of these symptoms or know someone who has these symptoms please see your doctor.

Stay tuned nest week for nutritional strategies to help control diabetes.