By Ricardo Padilla, M.D., Denver Health’s Sandos Westside Family Health Center
With more than 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7 percent of the population, living with diabetes, it is a disease that affects many of us on a daily basis.
Diabetes is defined as high levels of blood glucose or sugar that is the result of problems with the body’s insulin production. The insulin the body normally makes takes the glucose obtained from diet and food, and sends it to the cells so that they can use the glucose for energy.
There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, which accounts for 5 percent to 10 percent of all cases, occurs when the body’s immune system destroys cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This form of diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 90 percent to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes, is associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, abnormal glucose metabolism, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity. African Americans, Latinos and American Indians are at particularly high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Uncontrolled diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness and kidney failure in the United States, and is a leading cause of circulatory problems that can result in foot and leg amputations.
The symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss despite an increased appetite, blurry vision and fatigue. Diabetes is diagnosed with a simple blood test, which can usually show results in a matter of minutes.
There are three key ways to keep diabetes under control. First and foremost is taking prescribed medication on a daily basis. Most of the time, type 2 diabetes can be controlled by taking daily doses of medications in pill form. A minority of type 2 diabetics and all type 1 diabetics need to have daily insulin shots.
Diet is also extremely important. Avoid foods and drinks that have a lot of sugar, and exchange these foods for healthier alternatives. For example, wheat bread is healthier than white bread; corn tortillas are healthier than flour tortillas; and diet soda is much better for blood sugar levels than regular soda. Also choose lean meats such as lean cuts of beef or pork, and fish or chicken without the skin.
Finally, exercise is vital. It burns off some of the sugar that that comes from food, and it helps keep blood sugar under control.
If you are worried that you may have diabetes or if you are a diabetic and you haven’t seen your health care provider in at least six months, call to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. A simple blood test now can save a lifetime of health care problems.
Return To Top |
