DIABETES FACTS AND REMINDERS

As we continue moving through 2021, we hope that you are staying well and doing all the right things to keep your diabetes under control.  

At the beginning of the year, we talked about setting intentions rather than resolutions because they are more likely to stick. Now that we are into the 2nd quarter of the year, we wanted to check back in and see how everyone is doing.   

Sometimes, we all just need a gentle reminder to stay on track. We’ve compiled a list of 21 facts, tips and reminders to celebrate the year and help you stay motivated.  

Diabetes Reminder #1 – Review the Numbers

Here’s a quick reminder of the numbers to help put things into perspective and remind you that you are not alone:1,2

• There are 463 million adults (20-49) living with diabetes worldwide and that number is expected to increase to 700 million by 2045.
• In 2019, diabetes caused 4.2 million deaths globally. It’s the 7th leading cause of death in the US. 
• One in 5 people aged 65 and over have diabetes.
• More than 1.1 million children and adolescents are living with Type 1 diabetes.
• 374 million people are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
• Diabetes cost approximately USD 760 billion dollars in healthcare expenditures.

Diabetes Reminder #2 – Type 1 Diabetes  

The immune system creates antibodies that destroy insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is needed for cells to take up glucose. If insulin is lacking, as is the case with Type 1, then this raises blood glucose levels and results in diabetes. A person living with Type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy because they lack the cells needed to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented.  

Diabetes Reminder #3 – Type 2 Diabetes  

Considered to be the more common form of diabetes, Type 2 occurs when cells in the body become more resistant to the effects of insulin, so less glucose is taken up by the cells. This raises blood glucose. Cells in the pancreas try to produce and release more insulin to overcome this resistance.  Over time, the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin and blood glucose levels remain high. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and can be reversed with proper care. 

Diabetes Reminder #4 – Other Types of Diabetes

Juvenile Diabetes: “Approximately 210,000 children and teenagers under the age of 20 in the United States have diagnosed diabetes.”3 It can occur at any age, even in children less than a year old. 

Gestational Diabetes: Occurs when a pregnant woman, who did not have diabetes before the pregnancy, develops high blood sugar levels. A woman can have more than one pregnancy that is affected by gestational diabetes. It typically shows up later in the pregnancy and doctors will test for it between weeks 24 and 28 through a glucose challenge test. 

Diabetes Reminder #5 – Blood Glucose Level 

This is the standard of measurement for those living with diabetes. Glucose is the main sugar found in blood. It is derived from food and is the body’s main source of energy. Blood carries glucose to all body cells and uses it for energy. Measuring blood glucose and staying within target is one of the biggest challenges of diabetes. “A fasting blood sugar of less than 100 mg/dl is considered normal.  A fasting blood sugar level from 100 to 125 mg/dl is considered prediabetes. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dl or higher occurring on two separate tests is considered diabetes.”4

Diabetes Reminder #6 – Hypoglycemia 

A condition that occurs when blood glucose/sugar falls too low. Blood sugar below 70 mg/dl is considered low. A blood sugar that falls below 54 mg/dl is considered dire and requires immediate action. 

Diabetes Reminder #7 – Hyperglycemia 

A condition that occurs when blood glucose/sugar is too high. Elevated levels are considered to be between 180 to 200 mg/dl. It can develop slowly over days or weeks and are cause for concern. 

Diabetes Reminder #8 – A1C Test and A1C Levels 

“The A1C test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin – a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen – is coated with sugar (glycated). The higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control and the higher the risk for diabetes complications.”5 An A1C level below 5.7% is considered normal. Ranges between 5.7% and 6.4% are considered prediabetes and anything over 6.5% indicates diabetes. This is an important number to watch to effectively manage and control your diagnosis. 

Diabetes Reminder #9 – Blood Glucose Monitors 

Blood Glucose Monitors (BGM) have been used as a reliable method to check blood glucose since the 70s. Blood Glucose Monitors measure glucose levels at a particular moment in time and focus on a single number. Fast-forward about thirty years later and advances in technology gave us the Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). 

Diabetes Reminder #10 – Continuous Glucose Monitors 

A Continuous Glucose Monitor takes glucose readings continuously with a small electrode placed under the skin that is held in place by an adhesive.  A transmitter attached to the electrode sends data to a separate unit or smart device and allows a patient to record and access valuable information and trends on a continual 24/7 basis. CGMs do not require fingersticks to measure glucose levels which makes monitoring easier and less painful.  

 Diabetes Reminder #11 – The Risk Factors

Certain risk factors make diabetes more prevalent. Here’s a quick list6:

• Excessive weight
• Inactivity
• Family history
• Race or ethnicity
• Age 
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels

 Diabetes Reminder #12 – The Symptoms

Here’s a quick recap of what to watch for and when to consult with your healthcare professional to prevent serious health conditions down the road:  

• Increased urination
• Excessive thirst
• Dry, itchy skin
• Increased hunger
• Fatigue and sluggishness
• Blurred vision
• Numbness in extremities
• Slow healing wounds
• Extreme fluctuations in weight 
• Yeast infections 

Diabetes Reminder #13 – The Complications  

Proper diabetes management is key because failing to control blood sugar levels and improper maintenance can put patients at a higher risk for complications. Many complications associated with diabetes can be disabling and even life threatening. It’s important to understand the complications and why proper management is vital:7  

• Cardiovascular problems like heart disease. 
• Nerve damage which if left untreated could cause loss of feeling in affected limbs.
• Kidney damage which can lead to kidney failure and kidney disease. 
• Eye damage like cataracts, glaucoma and blindness. 
• Foot damage from untreated cuts and blisters can lead to serious infections and possible amputation.
• Skin conditions including bacterial and fungal infections. 
• Hearing Impairment including hearing loss.
• Depression which can affect diabetes management.

Diabetes Reminder #14 – Eating Properly 

Living with diabetes doesn’t mean giving up favorite foods completely. Eating in moderations is the key. The plate method is an easy way to make sure you’re eating a balanced meal and can help control blood sugar. Always try to make sure your plate is filled with 50% vegetables, 25% starch and 25% protein. Check levels often and then go from there when deciding what to eat next. 

Consider skipping the carbs and replacing it with a decadent dessert instead. Replace sugary sodas and coffee drinks and fill up with water instead. Budgeting your food and being conscious of what you eat and when you eat is a sure-fire way to get through each day.  

Diabetes Reminder #15 – What are Carbs? 

Carbohydrates are found in a variety of foods, both healthy and unhealthy. The three most common types of carbs are starches, sugars and fiber. The body converts most carbohydrates into glucose, a type of sugar, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream. Carbohydrates, in addition to the total sugar content on nutrition labels, should be monitored closely. 

Diabetes Reminder #16 – Sugar Substitutes

“A sugar substitute is basically a food additive that provides a sweet taste while containing significantly less food energy than sugar-based sweeteners, making it a zero-calorie or low-calorie alternative.”2 Sugar is not the healthiest choice for most people because it can cause obesity, heart disease, cancer, and oral health issues, like tooth decay. But, it can complicate matters even further for those living with diabetes. Because of this, it’s worth taking a look at the myriad of sugar substitutes that are on the market today, both natural and artificial. These alternatives can help patients living with diabetes make substitutions in their daily diet that can help to control blood sugar levels and keep things in balance. 

Diabetes Reminder #17 – Risk of Drinking Alcohol

“Alcohol can cause blood sugars to rise or fall depending on how much you drink and can interfere and impact the liver from doing its job of regulating blood sugar.”7 But, most importantly alcohol can interfere with certain medications so someone living with diabetes should never mix alcohol and prescription medications. Combining the blood sugar lowering effects of certain medications with alcohol can lead to hypoglycemia or insulin shock which is a medical emergency.  Eating a small meal or snack containing carbohydrates before imbibing is particularly important for someone with diabetes to help absorb the alcohol and help control blood sugar.  

Diabetes Reminder #18 – Understanding the Glycemic Index

It may sound complicated, but it’s the key to understanding how food affects diabetes. “The Glycemic Index (GI) measures how a food affects your blood sugar. Foods that are low on the scale raise it slowly. Those high on the scale raise it quickly. Eating mostly low-GI foods can help you keep control of your blood sugar.”8 But, they may not always be good for you.

Diabetes Reminder #19 – Exercise Daily 

“Exercise lowers blood glucose levels and boosts the body's sensitivity to insulin, countering insulin resistance and has been linked to lowering HbA1C values in people with diabetes.”9 It’s tempting to sit on the couch after a big but get up and keep moving instead. 

Diabetes Reminder #20 – Get Some Sleep

Diabetes and sleep problems often go hand in hand. Diabetes can cause sleep loss and not sleeping well can cause dips in blood sugar levels. “High blood sugar can cause frequent urination and extra trips to the bathroom at night. While extra glucose in the body draws water from tissues causing dehydration,”10 prompting extra trips for glasses of water in the middle of the night. Maintaining a solid sleep schedule during the holiday season will alleviate many of these issues. 

Diabetes Reminder #21 – Create a Support System 

Living with diabetes takes daily effort, a strong support system and continual education. There are many resources available and at Quest Health Solutions, our patients our are #1 concern. We are committed to providing education and vow to be your support system when it comes diabetes education. To learn more, contact us at 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, Ext. 1011, email [email protected] or schedule an appointment today. 

1. 2020) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-stat-report.html#:~:text=34.2%20million%20Americans%E2%80%94just%20over,1%20in%203%E2%80%94have%20prediabetes. Accessed on 9 April 2021. 
2. (2020) International Diabetes Federations. About Diabetes. Available at  https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes/facts-figures.html. Accessed on 9 April 2021.
3. (2020) Medical News Today. How Does Diabetes Affect Children and Teenagers? Available at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/284974#:~:text=The%20National%20Diabetes%20Statistics%20Report,people%20than%20type%202%20diabetes accessed on 10 April 2021.
4. Mayo Clinic. Diabetes. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371451 accessed on 10 April 2021. 
5. Mayo Clinic. A1C Test. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/a1c-test/about/pac-20384643 accessed on 10 April 2021.
6. (2020) Mayo Clinic. Diabetes. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444 accessed on 11 April 2021.
7. (2017) Healthline. Diabetes Complications. Available at  https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes-complications accessed on 11 April 2021.
8. (2020) Mayo Clinic. Nutrition and Healthy Eating available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/Glycemic-Index-diet/art-20048478 accessed on 12 April 2021.
9. (2020) Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. Available at https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-exercise-when-you-have-diabetes accessed on 13 April 2021.
10. (2020) Healthline. Can Diabetes Affect Your Sleep Schedule? Available at https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-and-sleep accessed on 13 April 2021.