Diabetes
What is diabetes?
Diabetes
is a disease in which too much sugar (glucose) accumulates
in the bloodstream rather than being transferred into cells
throughout the body. There are two types of diabetes: (1)
insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and (2) non-insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). People with IDDM make
little or no insulin and must have supplemental insulin daily.
People with NIDDM produce insulin but need better control
over blood sugar levels that are running dangerously high.
Diabetes is diagnosed when a blood sugar level is higher than 140 mg/dl on two separate occasions (normal blood sugars range between 70 to 100 mg/dl). It is managed in a combination of ways: (1) taking insulin (for IDDM), or (2) taking oral medication to regulate blood sugar (for NIDDM), and always (3) making diet modifications. The most important point about diabetes is that careful control of diabetes and blood sugar levels can decrease or slow the risks associated with having diabetes.
Why is diabetes a risk factor for heart disease?
Diabetes is responsible for several health complications, including an increased risk for heart disease. Diabetes seems to accelerate the narrowing of blood vessels. Unfortunately, the symptoms of heart disease in many people with diabetes are less apparent than they are in those without diabetes, because the disease affects nerve endings that can cause pain. Therefore, aggressive efforts to prevent and diagnose diabetes and heart disease in diabetics are extremely important.
What should I do to manage diabetes?
First and foremost, follow the advice of your Inova Physician. You need to monitor your blood sugar daily. This provides valuable feedback about how well the diabetes is being controlled and if adjustments are needed in the treatment plan. Take prescribed medications or insulin as directed and follow the dietary instructions carefully. Finally, lose weight and exercise regularly. Many times, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus can be controlled with diet, weight loss (return to a normal weight) and regular exercise.
The best thing to do is enroll in a course to learn how to manage diabetes independently. Courses, such as the one offered by Inova's International Diabetes Center, teach specifics on how to monitor glucose levels daily, follow a prescribed diet, exercise regularly and take medication as prescribed by your physician.
For more information about classes contact Inova's International Diabetes Center at 703-776-3300 or the American Diabetes Association at 703-538-2272
