| There
are two major categories of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2.
Type
1 Diabetes, usually affects those
under the age of 20, but it can occur at any age. Damage to
the insulin producing cells, leaves the pancreas unable to produce
insulin. Shots will be required to maintain a normal blood glucose
level.
Type 2 Diabetes,
is the most common type of diabetes, typically affecting those
over the age of 45 and overweight. In this disease the insulin
production is not sufficient or the insulin does not work properly.
Exercise and diet can control this type of diabetes, but some
people will require oral medication or possibly also insulin
shots.
The
following symptoms are often experienced by diabetics:
- Excessive
thirst
- Frequent
urination
- Extreme hunger
- Weight loss
- Glucose in
the urine
- Fatigue
- Changes in
vision
- Numbness
or tingling in hands or fee
- Slow-healing
wounds or sores
- High frequency
of infections
There is no current
cure for diabetes so treatment consists of exercise, good nutrition,
and medication. Based on which type of diabetes, some people
require insulin shots or just oral medications. Studies have
shown that better control of your blood glucose levels will
decrease your chances for many complications often due to diabetes
such as blindness, kidney failure and heart disease. Checking
your blood sugar levels often with a monitor and adjusting your
diet, activity level, and medication accordingly, is the best
way you can be sure of good control.
What
you can do to reduce your chances:
- Exercise
regularly
- Maintain
your ideal body weight
-
Control your blood pressure
-
Lower your cholesterol
-
No smoking or drinking
Some
risk factors that you can't control:
- Ethnic Background:
Risk is greater for Hispanics, African-Americans, Native Americans,
and Asians
- A family history:
A parent or sibling with diabetes increases your risk for
developing diabetes.
- Age: Your risk
increases as you get older
You probably know
someone that is affected by diabetes. This growing health problem
affects many people today. Ashley Campbell of the University
of Utah 6th Ward was diagnosed when she was thirteen. She experienced
many of the above symptoms. That diagnosis created huge lifestyle
changes for her whole family.
"I
struggled with diabetes when I was first diagnosed because
I didn't want that to define me" explained Ashley,
"I wouldn't tell anyone so people wouldn't refer
to me as the diabetic girl." Now twenty-one and
able to look back at when she was first diagnosed she
stated, "My mother helped me to cope best by being
very involved. She helped the whole family change their
diets, and doing it together made it easier for me to
live with the diet." |
Ashley recommended
making sure not to single the individual with diabetes out,
yet be there to talk when they want to. It is most important
to be supportive. |
