November 2005
DIABETES: A WAKE-UP CALL!
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy needed for daily life. Almost 21 million people in the United States, or about 7 percent of the population, have diabetes.
The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
Especially significant is that fact that one-third of all cases go undiagnosed.
RISK FACTORS
You are at higher risk for diabetes if:
If you are in one of these categories, the following risk factors make you more likely to develop high blood sugar and diabetes:
- It runs in your family
- You have given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds or have had gestational diabetes
- You are African-American, Hispanic, Native-American, or a Pacific Islander
If you are in one of these categories, the following risk factors make you more likely to develop high blood sugar and diabetes:
- Obesity
- Older than 45
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Unhealthy lifestyle
MAJOR TYPES OF DIABETES
Type 1 diabetes (formerly called juvenile diabetes) results from the body's failure to produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes (formally called adult-onset diabetes) results from insulin resistance, a condition in which the body fails to properly us insulin, combined with relative insulin deficiency. This is the most common form of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes affects about 4 percent of pregnant women 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.
Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes (formally called adult-onset diabetes) results from insulin resistance, a condition in which the body fails to properly us insulin, combined with relative insulin deficiency. This is the most common form of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes affects about 4 percent of pregnant women 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.
Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
DIABETES TREATMENT
Diabetes treatment usually includes following a diet plan, getting regular physical activity, self-testing of blood sugar levels and, in many cases, oral medication and/or insulin injections.
WHAT IS METABLIC SYNDROME?
Metabolic syndrome is a growing health problem in the United States, according to the American Heart Association's scientific statement issued on Sept. 13, 2005.The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Americans over age 40 has increased by more than 60 percent in the last decade.
The syndrome is a condition exhibiting a cluster of interrelated risk factors, increasing the risk for heart disease, diabetes, liver, kidney disease – and maybe even cancer.
The criteria for metabolic syndrome include:
- Elevated waist circumference (abdominal obesity). For a woman, this translates into a waist measuring more than 35 inches. For a man, it translates into a waist measuring more than 40 inches.
- One or more abnormal cholesterol levels
- elevated triglyceride levels
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- An elevated fasting blood sugar
- Resistance to insulin, a hormone that helps to regulate the amount of glucose in your body
A diet rich in saturated fat and cholesterol can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in persons with metabolic syndrome. The increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the United States is largely related to the increased rate of obesity.
PREVENTING METABOLIC SYNDROME
You can make lifestyle changes to slow or prevent the onset of metabolic syndrome. These changes include:
- Committing to a healthy diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting enough exercise
- Scheduling regular check-ups
The information contained in this newsletter is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. If you have any questions about managing your health and/or seeking medical care, please contact a medical professional.