Your doctor says your pre-diabetic or you have diabetes: Now what? Published April 18, 2007 By David Hey, Ph.D. 319th Aeromedical Dental Squadron GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- April is nationally observed as diabetes education and awareness month, but how much do you really know about this medical condition that lasts a lifetime? It's fair to say that most people know someone who is diabetic or someone who is "pre-diabetic." Yet few people realize that there are two distinctly different types of diabetes (type 1 and type 2); and that diabetes can literally strike at any age. As with most health conditions, behavior - or the way you live- plays an important role in determining who is a greater risk for this condition. What exactly is diabetes? Diabetes means blood glucose (often called blood sugar) is too high. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is also made in your liver and muscles. Blood carries the glucose to all the cells in your body. Blood always has some glucose in it since the body uses it for energy. But too much glucose in the blood can be hazardous. Insulin to the rescue! This is where insulin comes into play. Insulin is a chemical (a hormone) made by the pancreas. As the pancreas releases insulin into the blood, insulin helps the glucose from food enter into cells where it is utilized as energy. If your body doesn't make enough insulin, or if the insulin doesn't work the way it should, glucose can't get into your cells. It stays in your blood instead. If blood glucose level then gets too high, it can cause pre-diabetes or diabetes. What is pre-diabetes? Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and for heart disease and stroke. The good news is; if you have pre-diabetes, you can reduce your risk of getting diabetes. With modest weight loss and moderate physical activity, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes and even return to normal glucose levels. What's the difference between diabetes type 1 and type 2? People can get diabetes at any age. There are three main kinds. Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers or young adults. With this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked and destroyed them. Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes: · taking insulin, · making wise food choices, · being physically active, · taking aspirin daily (for some), · and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol. Type 2 diabetes Formerly called adult-onset diabetes or non insulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. People can develop type 2 diabetes at any age--even during childhood. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which fat, muscle and liver cells do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals. Being overweight and inactive increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Treatment for type 2 diabetes includes: · using diabetes medicines, · making wise food choices, · being physically active, · taking aspirin daily, · and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol. Diabetes during pregnancy Some women develop gestational diabetes during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had it is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin. Why do you need to take care of your diabetes? After many years, diabetes can lead to serious problems with your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and gums and teeth. But the most serious problem caused by diabetes is heart disease. When you have diabetes, you are more than twice as likely as people without diabetes to have heart disease or a stroke. If you have diabetes, your risk of a heart attack is the same as someone who has already had a heart attack. Both women and men with diabetes are at risk. You may not even have the typical signs of a heart attack. You can reduce your risk of developing heart disease by controlling your blood pressure and blood fat levels. If you smoke, talk with your doctor about quitting. Remember that every step toward your goals helps! What's a desirable blood glucose level? Everyone's blood has some glucose in it. In people who don't have diabetes, the normal range is about 70 to 120. Blood glucose goes up after eating but one or two hours later returns to the normal range. Ask your physician when you should check your blood glucose with a meter. Talk about whether the blood glucose targets listed below are best for you. The best way to take care of your health is to work with your health care team to keep your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol in your target range. What are the signs of diabetes? · being very thirsty · urinating often · feeling very hungry or tired · losing weight without trying · having sores that heal slowly · having dry, itchy skin · losing the feeling in your feet or having tingling in your feet · having blurry eyesight