Type 1 Diabetes

About Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes.Expert

Type 1 diabetes has also been commonly referred to as juvenile-onset diabetes. While it is generally diagnosed in children or young adults, this type can occur at any age.

Type 1 diabetes occurs with an auto-immune reaction where the insulin producing cells in the pancreas are attacked and destroyed by the body’s own immune system. Insulin is needed to maintain normal blood glucose levels and to move the glucose into the cells where they are used for food and energy. When the insulin producing cells are destroyed over time and the pancreas can no longer produce enough if any insulin, the body is unable to use the circulating blood sugar. For those with Type 1, insulin is required by injection or through the use of an insulin pump in order to survive.

Statistics of Type 1 Diabetes

In the U.S., approximately 1.25 million people have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes with an estimated 40,000 more diagnosed every year. Type 1 diabetes can be managed extremely well allowing those with this type to live long healthy lives if they work to keep their blood glucose levels within a safe healthy range.

Cause of Type 1 Diabetes

Scientists are not sure what causes Type 1 diabetes, but research into the cause and prevention, as well as development of the most effective treatment continues.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes often develop quickly, over a few days to weeks, and are caused by high blood glucose or blood sugar levels. High blood glucose symptoms include:

• Urinating frequently – the kidneys try to rid the body of excess sugar in the blood by removal of more water through urination
• Being very thirsty – frequent urination dehydrates the body making you feel the need to drink more often
• Losing weight without trying – dehydration and loss of large amounts of sugar calories being flushed out in your urine before your body can use them cause weight loss
• Increased hunger – you may feel hungry as you are losing your energy (sugar) calories in your urine before calories are metabolized for energy
• Blurry vision – high levels of blood glucose builds up in the lens of your eye where it draws extra water into the cells changing the shape of the lens and thus blurring vision
• Feeling fatigued – your body’s energy sources (glucose or sugar) is being flushed out in your urine

Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes

Some treatment options for Type 1 diabetes include:

• Regular checking of blood glucose levels
• Taking insulin to keep glucose levels within normal ranges
• Plan for healthy eating and food choices
• Being physically active
• Get an A1C test at least 2x/year to track control of glucose levels
• Use support of your health care team to assist in management of your type 1 diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

                                

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About Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in the U.S. accounting for 90-95% of diabetic cases. Having type 2 means that your pancreas is no longer producing insulin in proper quantities and your body is not able to use the insulin produced efficiently enough to keep your blood glucose levels at a normal level.

With type 2, your pancreas makes extra insulin when your cells start to become insulin resistant. Insulin resistance means that your body’s muscle, fat, and liver tissues are unable to use the insulin effectively any more. Over time medication is required to keep blood glucose levels under control.

Statistics of Type 2 Diabetes

Almost 30-million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with diabetes. Every year 1.4 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in the U.S.; more than one out of every 10 adults over 20 years of age has diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Cause and Risk Factors

The exact reason or cause of type 2 diabetes is not clear, however type 2 has been associated with numerous risk factors which include:

• History of sustained hyperglycemia, prediabetes, and/or gestational diabetes
• Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) or Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT)
• Being overweight
• Little to no regular physical activity
• Family history of diabetes
• Age (generally over 45 years of age)
• High blood pressure
• Abnormally high cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Eating an unhealthy diet
• Diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Race and ethnicity – type 2 more common in African Americans, Asian Americans, Latin Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

The most common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include:

• Urinating frequently, especially at night – the kidneys try to rid the body of excess sugar through urination
• Excessive thirst – frequent urination dehydrates the body
• Sores or cuts that will not heal with increased chance of developing an infection
• Weight Loss – dehydration and loss of large amounts of sugar calories being flushed out in your urine before your body can use them cause weight loss
• Excessive hunger – you may feel hungry as you lose your energy (sugar) calories in your urine before calories are metabolized for energy
• Blurry vision – high levels of blood glucose affect vision and ability to focus
• Feeling fatigued – your body’s energy sources (glucose or sugar) is flushed out in your urine
• Areas of darkened skin, called acanthosis nigricans, typically found in body creases and folds may be a sign of insulin resistance

Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

The two goals of type 2 diabetes care and treatment are to day-to-day wellness and prevention or delay of long term health problems. These goals can best be achieved by:

• Regular checking of blood glucose levels
• Taking medication as prescribed to keep glucose levels within normal ranges
• Plan for healthy eating and food choices
• Being physically active
• Get an A1C test at least 2x/year to track control of glucose levels
• Keep weight under control and within a good range for height and age
• Modify eating patterns for a healthy life-style
• Join a weight loss, diabetes support group, or exercise group to help stay on track

Type 2 diabetes cannot be reversed, but it can be managed so that those affected can live long healthy lives if they keep their blood glucose levels within a normal range.

By DrSteel.org

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

Diabetes.Expert

The risk factors for T2D are a bit different than for those of other forms of diabetes.  These known risk factors are largely related to lifestyle factors (eg. Diet and physical activity) but also have genetic (family) and environmental components.  These known risk factors are: 

• A family history of diabetes. Diabetes is a polygenic disorder meaning that a number of genes can have an effect on your risk of diabetes.  If, however, you have a family member (such as a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle) with diabetes, your risk in increased
• Being overweight, particularly if most of the excess fat is carried in the abdominal area. In general, if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 25, this is considered overweight and at risk.
• Poor eating habits (which can be directly related to weight issues). This appears mainly to be related to eating processed foods with high amounts of added sugar
• Lack of physical activity or exercise (also related to weight issues)
• Age—the older you get, the greater the risk. The risk increases after the age of 45
• Ethnic background: In North America, the risk for T2D increases for those of African, Asian, Native and Pacific-Islander background. Newly emigrated individuals from those areas have an increased risk, IF they adapt a western-style diet. In general, people in non-westernized countries increase their risk of T2D as their diet and lifestyles become more “westernized”.
• Other medical conditions. This includes Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a history of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood triglycerides (blood lipid or blood fats). In addition, if you have impaired glucose tolerance or prediabetes, you are at a higher risk for T2D.

IMPORTANTE INICIATIVA DE DIABETES PARA EL VALLE DE TEXAS

DA Noticias.

Un positivo impacto en el ámbito de la salud para las comunidades del Valle de Texas, se espera del proyecto denominado como “El Gran Proyecto en una Iniciativa de Diabetes”, que es un programa dirigido al bienestar de personas de escasos recursos que sufren de altos niveles de azúcar en su sangre y están interesados en aplicarse al programa para mejorar su salud.
El doctor Richard J. Steel, uno de los tres socios de este proyecto piloto, dijo que esta es una iniciativa sin fines de lucro que se enfoca en la educación de la Diabetes y esta dirigida a sectores de personas que cuentan con una solvencia económica limitada.
El llevarla a cabo se ha logrado gracias a la reciente aprobación del gobierno federal y consiste básicamente en realizar visitas domiciliarias a pacientes diabéticos para efectuar revisiones sobre la manera en que se están alimentando, en que consisten sus dietas y que tipo de alimentos componen su despensa.
Para mejores resultados, se cuenta con un equipo de nutriologos, quienes son los que se encargaran de entrenar en la manera de comer a cada paciente.
“Los pacientes que estén interesados en ser parte de este programa deben de estar dispuestos a soportar y cumplir con las reglas impuestas para lograr mejorar su diabetes”, explico el doctor Steel.
Añadio que existen esa planes a futuro para que la ayuda que se esta iniciando con este programa continue creciendo y se busca la manera para que se cree un programa de ayuda de despensas que permita proporcionar alimentos que se requieren a las personas que no pueden adquirirlos.
Ademas de que el paciente puede realizar la consulta por tableta, se trabaja en hacerle llegar educacion del tema diabético  a cada persona, pues “estamos tratando de se incorpore la tecnología de punta y poder a través de este medio obtener ls signos vitales y niveles de glucosa en tiempo real y directo al doctor, pues esto ayuda a hacer ajustes oportunamente”, comento Steel.
“La misión es controlar el azúcar para prolongar la vida de la persona que la padece y evitar complicaciones que genera este tipo de enfermedad, en otras palabras modificar el curso de la enfermedad, pues cuando hablamos de un cambio de vida en el paciente, ese es el objetivo a lograr”, explico el doctor Steel.
Recordó que el azúcar en una persona , debe de ser controlada, pues al lograr control de la alteración metabólica de la diabetes, se esta prolongando la vida y su calidad, si no se atiende, las consecuencias son irreversibles, se van perdiendo habilidades, que inician desde que los flujos de sangre que afectan los vasos pequeños y grandes de sangre generando en  algunos casos problemas en los ojos, rincón, corazón, etc.
Al mismo tiempo se desembocan otros padecimientos como el colesterol, presión, etc., y aunque mucho tiene que ver la edad de la persona  se recomienda evitar fumar y el alcohol.
“Se puede vivir muchos años con diabetes si se controla, nuestro principal interés es concentrar en la calidad de vida del paciente para prevenir que no se quede sin ver, tenga amputaciones de sus extremidades, presente insuficiencia renal o problemas cardiacos”, concluyo el doctor Steel.

Diabetes.Expert

Diabetes Expert Ways To Lower Your A1C Levels

The Hgb A1c test is easy to obtain and full of important information about your diabetes status. Taken from a simple blood test, it tells you your average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months.

Hemoglobin is a protein found in the red blood cells of the body. Glucose tends to stick onto the hemoglobin molecule as it circulates in the blood. More glucose molecules in the blood means more glucose is attached to the hemoglobin molecules. The life span of a red blood cell is about 3 months.

The Hgb A1c test measures the level of this glucose “coating” on your red blood cells as a percentage:

• Normal 4.0 – 5.6
• Pre-diabetes 5.7 – 6.4
• Diabetes 6.5+

If you have diabetes, your goal is to stay under 7.0 or get closer to it than you currently are.

Some see this test as a “report card” or a “grade.” It is helpful, instead, to consider your Hgb A1c result as a “progress report” or “checking in” tool. If your number looks good, keep doing what you’re doing. If you or your doctor or diabetes educator think your number needs to improve, here are a few ideas to consider:

• Follow a balanced diet – whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean sources of animal protein, plant protein, low fat dairy – at every or most meals.
• Be mindful of portions – the best way to do this is by weighing and measuring; the eye and the hand are less accurate than the scale!
• Choose slow steady carbs, not ​no ​ carbs – carbohydrates are the body’s fuel of choice; keep it happy with low glycemic carbohydrates (whole unrefined grains, most fruits, vegetables, legumes, low fat dairy) that “trickle” rather than “gush” glucose into the bloodstream.
• Be consistent with exercise – deliberately do something physical everyday; it doesn’t have to be strenuous or for a long time; just move your body in a way that makes your body feel good. Try walking: no membership card or special equipment needed – and you already know how to do it!
• Consider every decision you make about taking your medications, your diet and your exercise commitment as impacting your health – one way or another.

“Progress, not perfection.”

By DrSteel.org

Here are some tips:

• Test your blood sugar. We can’t fix what we can’t see. If your A1C is not where you want it to be, try testing more often to get a better picture of what your blood sugar levels are doing throughout the day.
• Use tech as a tool. You can also talk to your doctor about ordering a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) which senses glucose levels once every few minutes without a fingerstick.
• Look for patterns. Is your blood sugar highest in the morning before breakfast? In the evening after dinner? Once you have the glucose readings from your meter and/or CGM, you can begin to look for problem areas and then make a plan to tackle them. Ask your doctor or diabetes educator for help spotting patterns if needed.
• Eat fewer carbs. While we do need some carbs, we do not need as many as have been recommended in the past. This is especially important for people with diabetes, since carbs are the main reason why blood sugar levels go up in the first place. You may see improved blood sugars by reducing your carb intake (fewer highs and fewer lows too!).
• Increase activity. Physical activity makes us more sensitive to insulin, meaning it’s easier to lower blood sugar levels. The effects of activity last many hours afterwards too, so even a little bit of activity can go a long way towards lowering your blood sugar readings and your overall average.
• Watch your weight. Being overweight makes it more difficult for insulin to do its job of lowering blood sugar levels. Eating healthy and staying active can help keep weight in check (and they also help blood sugar levels as well!).
• Take meds as directed. Diabetes medications help blood sugar levels in a variety of ways, and taking them as directed ensures they are as effective as they can be.
• Adjust meds when needed. Overall blood sugar trends can change over time- what worked last year may not work as well this year. Talk to your doctor if you notice higher readings, especially if you’ve already worked on reducing carbs and increasing activity. A different medication, a tweak in timing, or a simple dose change may be all it takes to get you to your goal A1C. Continuing to watch for changes in blood sugar trends can help you know when it’s time.
• Manage stress. For most people with diabetes, stress hormones cause blood sugar to surge. Stress can come in many forms, including mental, emotional, and physical stress (like getting sick or not sleeping well). Taking steps to reduce stress and to manage stress when it does occur can help keep your A1C in check.
• Get support. Connect with other people who “get it,” whether it’s an in person support group or an online community. Finding support can not only reduce stress and help you feel empowered, it can also be a sounding board of practical, everyday tips and tricks to make living with diabetes easier while improving blood sugar levels.
• Use your health care team. Diabetes is never a do-it-yourself condition. Your health care team plays a huge role in how easy or difficult it is to lower blood sugar levels over time. Can you be seen relatively soon if an issue comes up? Does your doctor help make dose adjustments in between visits? Do your providers listen to your concerns and take them into consideration when making treatment decisions? If you feel like your health care team has not made your diabetes control a priority, advocate for yourself and consider finding a team that does.
• Ask for “DSME”. Diabetes Self-Management Education is an in-depth, individualized review of all the things that go into diabetes care. Even if you’ve had diabetes for a while, diabetes education can provide insights to help lower your blood sugar. Start by asking for a referral from your doctor. And if possible, look for a diabetes education program that is accredited by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) or American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), like One Drop | Experts.

Just remember: reaching your goal A1C is great, but having frequent episodes of low blood sugars puts you at risk. Talk with your doctor if you’re having low blood sugars often, and discuss different ways of lowering A1C without frequent lows.

DiabetesControl.Center