Diabetes. We’ve all heard of this disease, and probably know that it’s connected to
sugar and insulin. But what’s the rest of the story?
Blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is your body’s main energy source. It gets to
your cells with the help of insulin, a hormone that your pancreas makes. Diabetes
occurs when your body doesn’t make enough — or any — insulin to support glucose’s
journey to your cells. Instead, the blood glucose builds up in your bloodstream, and over
time, creates health issues for you. A blood test can determine your blood glucose level.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 — usually diagnosed in young people, it can occur at any age. An autoimmune
disease, type 1 diabetes is when your own immune system destroys cells that your
pancreas needs to make insulin. Treatment requires using insulin, managing diet and
exercising.
Type 2 — commonly diagnosed in middle-aged and older adults, type 2 diabetes is
increasingly being found in young people. When your body does not use its insulin
efficiently, your pancreas produces more to compensate. But this isn’t sustainable; over
time, your body can’t keep up the extra production needed to maintain your blood
glucose at normal levels. A healthy diet and exercise can manage type 2 diabetes, but
some patients also require medication and/or insulin.
Gestational — occurs during some pregnancies, when the placenta blocks the
mother’s insulin and causes more of the blood glucose to stay in the mother’s
bloodstream. Early pregnancy screening is critical to maternal and baby health.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), about 50% of women affected
will later develop type 2 diabetes. Diet and exercise choices can significantly reduce this
risk.
Symptoms may look the same
Diabetes symptoms for both type 1 and type 2 are similar, so it is important to talk to
your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Urinating often
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Weight loss—even though you are eating more (type 1)
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)
Lifestyle choices specific to managing diabetes
Your doctor will help you determine your diabetes treatment plan. General healthy
choices are valuable, but according to the ADA, with diabetes, some extra attention may
also be needed, such as checking glucose levels before and after exercise, and
managing food quantity and timing. Consult your doctor for your best program. - Food — What and when you eat directly contributes to managing your blood glucose
level. A healthy balance of non-starchy vegetables, protein, and quality carbohydrates
is easy to assemble once you get used to what the ADA calls the “Diabetes Plate.”
A. Half = non-starchy vegetables: Broccoli or spinach
B. One-fourth = lean protein: Non-fried chicken or fish, or tofu
C. One-fourth = good carbs: Whole grains such as brown rice, low-fat dairy, or
starchy vegetables such as corn or potatoes
D. Low- or zero-calorie beverages = water is best! - Weight management — Balance eating enough calories to maintain your metabolism
to burn fat and not energy. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce other health
complications such as high blood pressure or heart disease. Even losing 10-15 extra
pounds can help. - Exercise — Exercising on an empty stomach can help your body burn fat instead of
the energy that you just consumed. If you need something in your stomach to
exercise, a lighter option is often best, such as combining a fruit or starch with a
protein. Consider an apple with peanut butter; a whole grain cracker with cheese; or
veggies with hummus.
Some intensive exercises, such as weight lifting or endurance training, may also
require food directly afterward to maintain healthy glucose levels and avoid muscle
breakdown. A protein drink may be best; your doctor can help advise what’s right for
you.
Technology and diabetes; there’s an app
Advancements in technology have significantly improved diabetic patients’ ability to
maintain active lifestyles, from continuous glucose meters that measure levels in real
time throughout the day to smart insulin pens that work with your smart phone to insulin
pumps that automatically measure and administer the right amount of insulin needed.
Your doctor can help you decide what options to consider for your needs.
Complications with diabetes
With diabetes, other health conditions can become serious if not paid attention. Wounds
may not heal quickly or well, and require specific wound care therapy. Eye sight can be
impacted, and kidney or heart health, or even the flu virus. Careful management of your
treatment plan and preventive care can help to lessen and manage if any of these
occur.
Living with diabetes
There currently is no cure for diabetes, but with close management of diet, exercise and
weight management, type 2 diabetes may be reversible, if diagnosed early. Key to living
your best life as a diabetic — with either type, is following your doctor’s guidance and
monitoring your blood glucose levels.
