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Diabetes: Things to Know

In Health, Healthcare, Medicine on August 23, 2012 at 8:00 am

Did you know that diabetes can lead to heart attack and stroke, blindness, or kidney failure?

Too much glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood can cause diabetes problems over time. High blood glucose can cause heart and blood vessel disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Damage to the eyes can lead to loss of sight or blindness. Nerve damage and poor blood flow can cause foot problems, sometimes leading to amputation.

You can prevent or delay diabetes problems by keeping your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control.

How can I tell if I have diabetes problems?

You may have diabetes problems if

  • your blood pressure is 130 over 80, written as 130/80, or higher
  • you have pain in your chest
  • you have blurry or double vision, or feel pain or pressure in your eyes
  • you have foot problems-such as blisters, ingrown toenails, or cracked skin-that get infected
  • your arms, hands, legs, or feet feel numb, or you feel shooting pains

Some diabetes problems don’t have symptoms at first. For example, you cannot tell if your kidneys are damaged until they stop working altogether. Your doctor should test your urine every year to see how well your kidneys are working.

What can I do to stay healthy with diabetes?

Controlling your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol can make a big difference in staying healthy. Talk with your doctor about what your ABC goals should be and how to reach them. A stands for the A1C test-a measure of what your blood glucose has been for the last three months. B is for blood pressure, and C is for cholesterol.

You can take these steps each day to reach your ABC goals:

  • Follow the healthy eating plan that you and your doctor or dietitian have discussed.
  • Be physically active for 30 to 60 minutes most days.
  • Take your medicines as directed and keep taking them, even after you’ve reached your goals.
  • If you smoke, quit.
  • Ask your doctor if you should take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke.
  • Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails.

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Pre-Diabetes: Control it before it becomes a Monster

In Health, Healthcare, Medicine on August 22, 2012 at 8:00 am

Did you know if you are 45 years old or older, overweight, and inactive, you may have prediabetes?

What is prediabetes?

Prediabetes means you have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. Glucose is a form of sugar your body uses for energy. Too much glucose in your blood can damage your body over time. Prediabetes is also called impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

If you have prediabetes, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Being overweight and physically inactive contributes to prediabetes. You can sometimes reverse prediabetes with weight loss that comes from healthy eating and physical activity.

How do I know if I have prediabetes?

Most people with prediabetes don’t have any symptoms. Your doctor can test your blood to find out if your blood glucose levels are higher than normal.

Who should be tested for prediabetes?

If you are 45 years old or older, your doctor may recommend that you be tested for prediabetes, especially if you are overweight. Being overweight means your body mass index (BMI) is over 25. BMI is a measure of your weight relative to your height. If you’re not sure, ask your doctor if you are overweight.

Even if you are younger than 45, consider getting tested if you are overweight and

  • are physically active less than three times a week
  • have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
  • have high blood pressure
  • have abnormal levels of HDL cholesterol or triglycerides, two types of blood fats
  • had gestational diabetes-diabetes during pregnancy-or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
  • are African American, American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
  • have polycystic ovary syndrome
  • have dark, thick, velvety skin around your neck or in your armpits
  • have blood vessel problems affecting your heart, brain, or legs

If the results are normal, you should be retested in 3 years. If you have prediabetes, you should be tested for type 2 diabetes every year or two.

What can I do about prediabetes?

Losing weight-at least 5 to 10 percent of your starting weight-can prevent or delay diabetes or even reverse prediabetes. That’s 10 to 20 pounds for someone who weighs 200 pounds. You can lose weight by cutting down on the amount of calories and fat you consume and being physically active at least 30 minutes a day. Physical activity also helps make your body’s insulin work better.

Ask your doctor if you should also take medicine to help control the amount of glucose in your blood.

The National Diabetes Education Program’s “Small Steps. Big Rewards. Prevent type 2 Diabetes” campaign has more information about preventing diabetes.

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