Diabetes

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Diabetes affects approximately 17 million Americans, and the bad news is that less than half of those with this widespread disease don’t know it! The good news, however, is that it can be treated. It’s important for us to be aware of the symptoms, and most importantly, to learn how to live with diabetes.

With so many people afflicted by diabetes, Suzanne invited Dr. Seth Braunstein, Chief of the Diabetes Program at the University of Pennsylvania, to define the terms of the disease and to offer life-saving suggestions.

What is Diabetes?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is needed for your body to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy. When someone has diabetes, excessive sugar builds up in the blood as a result of the body’s inability to generate and properly use insulin. Therefore, it is vital to acquire insulin through other ways, such as injection.

While diabetes strikes those of all ages and races, it is most prevalent in African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian-Americans and the senior population.

The cause of diabetes remains a mystery, but genetics and physical traits such as obesity and lack of exercise are said to be contributing factors. It often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms may seem so common and harmless. Education is the key to prevention.

Diabetes: 1 OR 2?
There are two forms of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Remember, insulin is necessary for the body to use sugar; an insufficient amount of insulin may cause your cells to be starved for energy right away. Also, high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, may damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart over time.

Type 1: Type 1 is the less common of the two types of diabetes and affects 5 to 10 percent of the disease’s population. It often occurs in children and young adults and is sometimes referred to as “juvenile onset.” In the case of Type 1 Diabetes, the body does not produce any insulin at all, making daily insulin injections necessary for a person to survive. A well-balanced diet and exercise must accompany the injections to live a healthy life.

Type 2: Accounting for 90 to 95 percent of those with diabetes, Type 2 results from the body’s inability to make enough and use insulin. It is most common in people who are overweight, sedentary and the elderly. Someone with Type 2 Diabetes may be able to do away with insulin injections by losing weight, exercising and eating well.

What To Look For

Recent studies have concluded that early detection of diabetes, as well as treatment, can reduce further complications. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms of diabetes:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Increased fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurry vision

Many people with diabetes live long, healthy lives—don’t panic if you are diagnosed with the disease. Prevent complications; you have to take care of your body by consulting your physician, checking your blood sugar level regularly and following a diet and exercise regimen.