November is known for bringing families and friends together, most notably around a large Thanksgiving meal. This said, it is quite fitting to designate this time as “Diabetes Awareness Month.” Especially considering the rich, delectable foods this holiday is known for, it is often laden with sugar. Consider taking time this month to investigate more about this disease and what symptoms are often overlooked.
What is diabetes exactly, and what is the difference between Type I and Type II? Diabetes is a disease that causes high blood glucose, also known as sugar. A hormone called insulin is what is needed to move the sugar out of your system; however, diabetes limits the body’s ability to make enough insulin. This said, when your body cannot make enough insulin, sugar builds up in the blood. The result can be extreme harm to your eyes, kidneys and nervous system.
According to the Healthline.com article, “Type I and Type II Diabetes: What’s the difference?” both types of diabetes are dangerous; however, they are vastly different in how they attack your system. “A key difference is type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition, in which the insulin-making cells in the pancreas stop producing the hormone for an unknown reason.” While genetics play a strong role in both types of diabetes, Type I is often known as “Juvenile Diabetes” and usually affects young children and teens. Type II is developed because of lifestyle choices, such as exercise and diet, and usually affects adults.
Sadly, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website, “[Diabetes] affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth.” Specifically, this type of diabetes affects those who have a family history of diabetes, especially African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, or Pacific Islanders. However, there is good news. By educating yourself on your risk of developing this disease, as well as what symptoms occur with it, you can avoid becoming Pre-Diabetic. Luckily, if you discover you are already developing diabetes, this month you can also learn methods to monitor your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Diabetes Symptoms: There are specific symptoms that will occur with both types of diabetes. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include feeling more thirsty than usual, urinating often, losing weight without trying, feeling tired and weak, feeling irritable or having other mood changes, having blurry vision, having slow-healing sores, getting a lot of infections, such as gum, skin and vaginal infections, and finally, the presence of ketones in the urine. “Ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there’s not enough available insulin.”
How can you discover if you have diabetes or are becoming “pre-diabetic?” Visiting your doctor is the first step. At the office, they will administer an A1C test, which will measure your average glucose levels. If a healthcare professional determines you have been diabetic or at risk of developing the disease, they will advise you to begin with simple lifestyle changes.
Tip #1: Develop small steps towards changing your daily lifestyle habits. This could be as simple as paying closer attention to the labels on the food you buy, to changing your diet completely. Your doctor will provide you with lots of information on what foods are great for managing diabetes and which ones to avoid completely.
Tip #2: Set aside time each day to be active! By no means does this mean enrolling in a strenuous boot camp at the local gym. According to the Mayo Clinic, people with diabetes must be careful, in that too much exercise can lower blood sugar significantly. First off, do not exercise when your blood glucose is extremely high, or lift heavy weights if you have high blood pressure or eye problems. Also, make sure to check your feet to make sure you do not have cuts or sores, which can get worse by exercise or make exercise painful. Make sure to drink plenty of water and, finally, make sure to talk to your doctor about the right type of exercise for you. Starting slowly, like taking a walk after dinner each night, is an excellent start.
Tip #3: Seek support from those who live with the disease. Having diabetes or discovering that you are pre-diabetic can be incredibly discouraging. It is completely normal to feel upset, defeated and even depressed. Make sure to surround yourself with those who either are going through a similar diagnosis, or those who understand what you are going through. Your doctor will provide you with information on diabetes support groups, such as the YWCA’s “Gateway to Success Program,” which specifically focuses on helping low-income patients manage diabetes through a unique model. There are also many medical support groups through Novant Health, Atrium Health and The Salem Center for Endocrinology. Finally, the North Carolina Minority Diabetes Prevention Program (NC MDPP) is a free, year-long diabetes prevention program. Once enrolled in the program, you will learn about healthy eating, meal planning, physical activity and overcoming barriers. Funded by the NC Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, this program is open to all eligible adults!
