Health Chat

23.6 Million People – One Huge Epidemic

“Diabetes currently afflicts 23.6 million Americans,” according to the American Diabetes Association.

 
In response, Saint Mary’s Health Care provides a full range of treatment options, classes, and technology to assist with diabetes.

“Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin, resistance to insulin, or both,” says Vicki Ferguson, RD, CDE, at Saint Mary’s Diabetes and Endocrine Center. Insulin plays an important role in moving glucose from the bloodstream into muscle, fat and liver cells where it can be used as fuel.



“People with diabetes have high blood sugar levels because their pancreas does not make enough insulin, and their muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond to insulin normally,” says Ferguson.

There are three major types of diabetes:

1. Type I: Usually diagnosed in childhood. Body makes little to no insulin and the exact cause is unknown.
2. Type II: Usually occurs in adulthood and can be a result of obesity and failure to exercise. The pancreas does not make enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal.
3. Gestational: High blood glucose that develops at any time during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes.

Symptoms for the three major types of diabetes:

1. Type I: Frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, extreme fatigue,
2. Type II: Often no symptoms accompany this. However, people may experience frequent infections, blurred vision, cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, and tingling sensations in their hands and feet.
3. Gestational: An increase in thirst, frequent urination, and severe fatigue.

A normal blood sugar level is around 70-100 mg/dL. Therefore, testing the levels of blood sugar assist in the diagnosis process:

• Type I: Very high blood sugar levels that are over 100 mg/dL
• Type II: Blood sugar levels of 100-200 mg/dL
• Gestational- Strictly diagnosed on a blood test. This needs to be monitored carefully because there is a 50/50 chance that the mother will permanently develop diabetes.

Prevention:

Unfortunately, no cure or prevention exists for Type I diabetes. It is best to follow a treatment procedure designed with a physician.

“Get your blood work done, have a yearly physical, and exercise for 30 minutes five/days week,” said Ferguson.

According to http://www.diabetes.org “1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in people aged 20 years and older each year.”

Treatment:

 Type I: This type has to replace insulin with a shot at various times of the day depending on their blood glucose level. “Some people are scared of insulin – but your own body produces it naturally. Unlike insulin, pills can have major side effects,” explains Michelle Lalick, RN, pictured below.



Invented in 1978, the insulin pump began to be covered by more insurance companies by 2000. The pump monitors the blood sugar level through a real time sensor. The sensor receives blood sugar information without patients having to poke their finger, and then provides insulin as needed.

“These insulins match what we physiologically create,” says Lalick. With high success rates, “The insulin pump therapy is still growing and improving with new technology.”

Type II: Medications, diet and exercise can help to lower blood sugar levels.

Gestational: A healthy diet, exercise, and if necessary, a medication will be administered.

A Glimpse into the Future:

 
Understanding of diabetes and its effects are key in managing diabetes. Saint Mary’s Health Care offers classes to newly diagnosed people with diabetes that explain the diabetes management process to patients. Patients learn about the physiological process that is occurring in their body, different treatment options, and how to administer their own shots, insulin pump, and medications. The classes always have the most up-to-date information available.

“Ten years ago there were only a couple of pills and today there are 15 different kinds. There are constantly new options,” says Ferguson.

If you or a loved one has diabetes, find a health care provider who will partner with you to manage your disease. Contact Saint Mary’s Diabetes and Endocrine Center for more information.


Data obtained on July 22 from http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/