‘That Sugah’

‘Diabetica’

‘Diabetes’

Most of us have heard the above terms, or something along these lines, regarding Diabetes Mellitus.

This one topic alone, could fill an entire library of textbooks, novels and journals, so I’m going to keep this as short and sweet, as possible.
What is DIABETES MELLITUS?

A disease in which the body’s inability to produce any, or enough insulin, results in elevated glucose (blood sugar) levels.
Are There Different Types Of Diabetes? Yes.

1. Diabetes MELLITUS

Type 1(Juvenile)
a. Diagnosed in Children and Young Adults
b. The problem……body does not produce insulin
c. Autoimmune Disease….Body destroys islet cells of
the pancreas
d. 5% of Diabetic Population

Type 2 (Adult Onset)
a. Insulin Resistance
b. Your Pancreas does produce Insulin, however, the body
does not respond ‘appropriately’ or ‘effectively’ to the
insulin that is available
c. Affects 27 Million in the U.S.A.
d. Causes….OBESITY…..Genetics…Inactivity (Sedentary)
2. Diabetes INSIPIDUS……caused by lack of production of, or response to ADH(Antidiuretic Hormone)

3. GESTATIONAL Diabetes……affecting pregnant women
The placenta produces hormones that leads to a build up of
glucose in the blood.
Risk factors:
1. OBESITY
2. Personal History of Gestational Diabetes with previous
pregnancy
3. Family History of Diabetes
4. African-American, Asian, Hispanic or Native American

What are the signs/symptoms?

1. Excessive Thirst…………..Polydipsia
2. Excessive/Frequent Urinating……….Polyuria
3. Extreme Fatigue
4. Blurry Vision
5. Tingling, Pain or Numbness in Hands/Feet (Type 2)
6. Unintentional Weight Loss (Type 1)
7. Persistent Hunger (even during, or after, meals)
What’s Wrong With Having High Blood Glucose Levels??

Normal, after fasting 8 hours, is less than 100 mg/DL. Or less than 140 mg/DL, two hours after meals.

Chronically Elevated Glucose Levels Causes…..

1. Hardening of Arteries…..Atherosclerosis
Which Predisposes To:
a. Cardiovascular Disease….Myocardial Infarction(Heart Attack)
b. Kidney Disease….Kidney Failure……Dialysis
c. Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)
d. Vision Loss…..Blindness
f. Erectile Dysfunction
g. Slow Wound Healing…..Chronic Wounds….Amputation

2. Weakened Immune System……Infections…..Delayed Healing

3. Nerve Damage…..Neuropathy……Pain/Loss of Sensation.

Possible TREATMENT Options……

**********All Patients Require a Complete and Comprehensive Medical Evaluation, Prior to Initiating Any Form of Therapy*********

1. Diet
2. Exercise
3. Oral Hypoglycemics (pills)
4. Insulin
5. Kidney, Islet Cells and/or Pancreas Transplant (Type 1)
Can I still have a functional and fulfilling life with this diagnosis?

Yes. Absolutely!!

The main focus is…….

1. Getting a Medical Evaluation and Being Properly Diagnosed
2. Modifying the aspects of your life that are within your
control……Diet…….Exercise
3. Monitoring your blood sugars, as directed.
4. Working with:
1. A General Practitioner (Internist, Family
Practitioner, Nurse Practitioner)
2. Dietician
3. Ophthalmologist
4. Endocrinologist
5. Health and Fitness Consultant (Physical Trainer/Coach)
How can I get help and stay healthy?

Get Evaluated.
Stay Committed.
No one should have as much, or more, time and energy committed to your health and well being, than you do!!

Check out the following sites for more info:

WWW.DIABETES.ORG
WWW.WEBMD.COM
WWW.MAYOCLINIC.ORG
WWW.BLACKDOCTOR.ORG
http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/
My goal with these posts is to inform, educate and empower patients, regarding matters of health.

As always, these are a supplement, not a substitute, to the relationship you should already have with your healthcare provider (HCP).

If you find any of this information helpful, please SHARE and leave a comment, recommendation or even a helpful thought.

Take care.
Be well.
Be safe.

Lisa Whitty Bradley, M.D., FACS
CEO & Founder
Chicks With MDs, LLC

For more information, please check out the following sites:
www.diabetes.org
American Diabetes Association – Facebook
‪#‎AmericanDiabetesAssociation‬ ‪#‎Type1Diabetes‬
‪#‎CDC‬ ‪#‎Type2Diabetes‬
‪#‎CentersForDiseaseControlandPrevention‬
‪#‎webmd‬ ‪#‎AfricanAmericansAndDiabetes‬
‪#‎blackdoctororg‬
‪#‎healthfindergov‬
‪#‎WorldHealthOrganization‬
‪#‎WHO‬
‪#‎TenFactsAboutDiabetes‬
‪#‎MedicalDictionary‬
‪#‎mayoclinic‬
‪#‎DiabetesForecastMagazine‬
‪#‎MinorityHealth‬
‪#‎DiabetesandNativeAmericans‬
‪#‎GestationalDiabetes‬
‪#‎DiabetesandPregnancy‬
‪#‎HighRiskPregnancy‬
‪#‎JuvenileDiabetes‬
***********************COMING SOON!!!*******************

After the holiday, we will start WEEKLY VIDEO BLOGS on a variety of topics…..Health…..Fitness…..Finance……Entertainment..
…..just to name a few!

STAY TUNED!!!!