THE REALITY OF DIABETES

If you’re currently living with or have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, then you know that almost every decision you make is impacted. Diabetes is a serious disease, but until it becomes a reality it is often not taken seriously.?

Diabetes Statistics?

Here are some statistics to help put things into perspective.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 Differences?

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. ?

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.?

Understanding the Terminology?

There are many terms and definitions associated with diabetes that are often misunderstood. Breaking them down helps to foster a deeper understanding of diabetes and helps us to understand its effect on the world.?

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.”3

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.?

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.?

A1C. “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.”4 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.?

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).?

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. ?

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.”5 But, they may not always be good for you.

Diabetes Risk Factors

Certain risk factors make diabetes more prevalent. Here’s a quick list5:

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

?Diabetes Symptoms

There are many symptoms and warning signs to determine if diabetes is present. Here’s a quick overview of what to watch out for. ??

• 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 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:6??

• 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.?

Managing Diabetes?

Follow Dietary Guidelines. Living with diabetes doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods completely. Eating in moderation 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.??

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.”7 It’s tempting to sit on the couch after a big but get up and keep moving instead.?

Proper Sleep Schedules. 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,”8 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.?

Finding Support?

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 to diabetes education. To learn more, contact us at 1-800-993-9996, 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 12 August 2022.?
2. (2020) International Diabetes Federations. About Diabetes. Available at? https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes/facts-figures.html . Accessed on 12 August 2022.
3. Mayo Clinic. Diabetes. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371451 accessed on 12 August 2022.?
4. Mayo Clinic. A1C Test. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/a1c-test/about/pac-20384643 accessed on 12 August 2022.
5. (2017) Healthline. Diabetes Complications. Available at? https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes-complications accessed on 13 August 2022.
6. (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 13 August 2022.
7. (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 August 2022.
8. (2020) Healthline. Can Diabetes Affect Your Sleep Schedule? Available at https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-and-sleep accessed on 13 August 2022.