November is American Diabetes Month!

Personal Story:

2 years ago, both my parents were diagnosed with pre-diabetes. My dad was actually the closest to being diagnosed with type 2. The doctor had caught it just in time (blood glucose level was one point off from being diabetes). Both my parents were able to make changes in their lifestyle. The choice of foods changed from sweet deserts to no sugar added foods, fried foods to boiled foods and less food intake overall. My parents said that the beginning was very difficult. I also witnessed several times when my mom’s blood sugar dropped dramatically, so thereafter, she kept fruits or candy. It was a huge change for my parents and I. Although they now have their health under control, diabetes is still a concern in their lives. They still get annual check ups and have to watch their diet. I am watching my diet and my lifestyle as well.

Some staggering statistics: (sources: Diabetes Atlas, International Diabetes Federation, World Health Organization Diabetes Unit

• Diabetes currently affects 246 million people worldwide and is expected to affect 380 million by 2025.

• In 2007, the five countries with the largest numbers of people with diabetes are India (40.9 million), China (39.8 million), the United States (19.2 million), Russia (9.6 million) and Germany (7.4 million).

• Each year a further 7 million people develop diabetes.

• Every 10 seconds a person dies from diabetes-related causes.

• Every 10 seconds two people develop diabetes.

• Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of global death by disease.

• At least 50% of all people with diabetes are unaware of their condition. In some countries this figure may reach 80%.

• Up to 80% of type 2 diabetes is preventable by adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity.

What is it?

(sources: American Diabetes Association, National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse )

• Type 1 diabetes:

  Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. This form is caused by an autoimmune disorder, which is a problem with the body’s immune system. In a healthy body, beta cells in the pancreas make insulin and this hormone is what allows the body to use energy from food. With type I diabetes, the immune system mistakes the beta cells for invaders and destroys the beta cells.

• Pre-diabetes:

  This is a condition when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. These people are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, but you can reduce the risk of getting it through weight loss, exercise, and choice of foods.

• Type 2 diabetes:

  Type 2 diabetes, formerly known as adult-onset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. The beta cells produce insulin, but they do not respond properly to the insulin or the insulin produced is not enough.

• Gestational diabetes:

  Women develop this form of diabetes during pregnancy. Once the baby is born, this form of diabetes is likely to go away, but women will be prone to developing type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is caused by hormones of pregnancy or shortage of insulin.

Some signs (source: National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse)

• being very thirsty

• urinating often

• feeling very hungry or tired

• losing weight without trying

• having sores that heal slowly

• having dry, itchy skin

• losing the feeling in your feet or having tingling in your feet

• having blurry eyesight

These are resources from the American Diabetes Association: Each link has information on how to manage the diabetes, facts, talking to a friend and additional resources.

• Recently diagnosed Child type I

• Recently diagnosed Adult type I

• Recently diagnosed type II

Prevention Resources:

• National Diabetes Education Program has information and resources about managing and preventing diabetes.

• American Diabetes Association has information on pre-diabetes.

• Diabetes Public Health Resource has answers to frequently asked questions about preventing diabetes.

• Harvard School of Public Health lists simple steps to preventing diabetes.

Additional Resources:

• American Diabetes Association has information including nutrition, weight loss and diabetes research.

• WebMD has information including diagnosis, treatment, and managing diabetes.

• Medline Plus has information including diagnosis, how to cope with diabetes, and how to manage diabetes.

• National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse has a great resource guide for people who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

• International Diabetes Federation has books on the topic of diabetes.

• World Health Organization has various resources and publications.