Diabetes AN OVERVIEW. Diabetes is a disease in which the body is no longer

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1 AN OVERVIEW Diabetes As you prepare to leave our center, we want to be sure you have the knowledge and skills to monitor and manage your own health conditions. You are the most important person on your healthcare team. Taking control of your own healthcare will help you improve and maintain your health, and live a longer happier life. In this lesson, you will learn about, its signs and symptoms and why it is important to understand and manage your blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a disease in which the body is no longer able to properly convert food into the energy needed for all cells to do their work. Our cells need a hormone called insulin to use sugar produced in our blood from the food we eat for energy. This sugar is known as glucose. Insulin is produced in special cells in the organ behind the stomach called the pancreas. In, the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin, or the insulin cannot be used effectively, so food can no longer be converted into the energy your cells need. Instead, glucose (sugar) collects in the blood and cells are starved. Over time, increased glucose in the blood causes damage to the nerves and blood vessels. This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional. 1 of 7 It is important that you rely on the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional for your specific condition.

2 Terms related to When too much glucose collects in the blood, it is known as hyperglycemia. Diabetes is the most common cause of hyperglycemia. When blood glucose gets too low, it is known as hypoglycemia. excess glucose blood condition hypoglycemia hyperglycemia below glucose blood condition Both very high and low glucose blood levels can result in a medical emergency. 2 of 7

3 Types of type 1 type 2 Formerly called juvenile. It is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, and young adults. In this type of, the special cells of the pancreas, called beta cells, no longer make insulin because the body s own immune system has destroyed them. Formerly called adult-onset. It is the most common type of. People can develop type 2 at any age, but this type of is most often associated with older age. Type 2 usually begins with a condition in which muscle, liver, and fat cells do not use insulin properly. This is known as insulin resistance. As a result, the body needs more and more insulin to help glucose enter cells to be used for energy. The pancreas may still be able to produce insulin, but eventually it can no longer produce enough insulin to keep up with food intake. Blood glucose levels begin to rise, which can cause pre. Pre is when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of. Pre means a person is at increased risk for developing type 2. People who are overweight and physically inactive are at risk for developing insulin resistance and pre, leading to type 2. Losing weight and increasing physical activity can help people delay or prevent type 2. 3 of 7

4 Types of gestational other types of Gestational is a type of that develops only during pregnancy. There are other less common types of including those caused by: genetic defects diseases of the pancreas insipidus Diabetes insipidus is not a type of. It is a condition that affects the kidneys and how the body reabsorbs and uses water. excess amounts of certain hormones medications that reduce insulin effectiveness chemicals that destroy beta cells of the pancreas infections rare disorders of the immune system 4 of 7

5 Symptoms of Your blood sugar level For an adult, the normal fasting (no food for eight hours) blood sugar level is between 70 and 99 mg/dl. A healthy blood sugar level two hours after eating is As glucose collects in the blood and is unable to be used by the cells for energy, people with may experience any or all of these symptoms. unexplained weight loss blurred vision increased urination less than 140 mg/dl. fatigue Your health care professional will help you determine the healthy range for you. sores that do not heal increased hunger increased thirst 5 of 7

6 Treating Meal planning Physical activity Medications if needed Self-monitoring of glucose levels A diagnosis of can seem devastating to many patients. The good news is that can be managed successfully with meal planning, physical activity, and if needed, medications. Regular self-monitoring of blood glucose levels at home is also very important. Controlling blood glucose levels does require a strong commitment to take an active role in monitoring and managing them. Making life-long changes to diet and exercise, and actively participating in their disease management, can seem like daunting tasks for many new diabetics. Fortunately, healthcare providers, including diabetic educators and dietary professionals, are available to help you plan healthy meals and increase physical activity to control your blood glucose levels. Patients who learn as much as they can about and their treatment plan are more successful in managing their disease, controlling blood glucose and preventing long-term complications. Self-monitoring with a special glucose monitoring machine and regular follow-up with a trusted healthcare provider increases the likelihood of managing successfully. 6 of 7

7 Powered by TCPDF ( Complications of Because high blood glucose damages nerves and blood vessels over time, it can lead to serious complications such as: Depression Stroke Eye problems, including blindness Dental disease Heart disease Kidney disease Decreased circulation leading to amputation Loss of mobility with aging Nerve damage and pain, known as neuropathy Increased susceptibility to infection and other diseases Diabetes can seem complicated for many patients. We are here to help you understand your specific condition and treatment plan so you can better self-monitor and self-manage your. Don t hesitate to ask questions or for more information. 7 of 7