LEARNING ABOUT

DIABETES
What is Diabetes?
This presentation will help you:

understand what diabetes is

help better understand and manage your
diabetes.

you'll see that it's not just possible to live with
diabetes; it's possible to live well with it.

What is diabetes?
Diabetes: is a metabolic disease (how the body
uses digested food for growth and energy)

Characterized by high levels of blood glucose
and how insulin (hormone) works with the
body.
What is insulin?

Insulin is a hormone produced in the
pancreas

Insulin is necessary for glucose to get into cells
so they can be used as a fuel source and to
convert to other needed chemicals.

Food, glucose and insulin
Food is converted to glucose before it is used by the
blood and body as fuel.

As a result, blood glucose levels in the body rise.

In response to this, the Pancreas release Insulin into
the blood.

*about two-thirds of the body's cells use Insulin to
absorb glucose from the blood


What happens in diabetes?
With diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no
insulin, or the cells dont respond properly to the
insulin

Glucose builds up in blood, overflows into urine
and passes out of body in urine

So, body loses main source of fuel (glucose)

Types of Diabetes

Type I

Type II

Gestational


Type I Diabetes
Used to be called juvenile-onset
Autoimmune disease
Immune system attacks and destroys the
insulin-producing cells in the pancreas so the
pancreas produces little or no insulin
Must take insulin to live
If not diagnosed or treated, patient can go into
a diabetic coma and die
Type II Diabetes
Also called Adult onset. (90-95% )

Pancreas is producing insulin, but body cant use insulin
(called insulin resistance) As a result, insulin production
decreases

Associated with age, obesity, family history, previous
history with gestational, physical inactivity and ethnicity
About 80% are overweight or obese (life style disease)

Type 2 onset is slow and gradual. You may experience
hunger and thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and slow
healing of wounds.

Gestational Diabetes
Developed by some women late in pregnancy
About 2 to 10% develop, could be related to
family history and ethnicity.
Women who have had this have 35 to 60%
chance of developing Type 2 diabetes within 5
to 10 years
(Postpartum 6 weeks return normal)
Maintaining reasonable weight and exercising
may help prevent


Diagnostic Findings
Hemoglobin A1C>6.5% (Normal: 4-6%)

Fasting Plasma (blood) glucose >126/dL
(Normal: 70-120mg/dL)

Plasma glucose > 200 mg/dL + symptom of
DM

Glucose Tolerant Test: 2 hour post-prandial
glucose: >200mg/dL

Screen for risks (ex. lifestyle, history etc.)
Symptoms DM
3 Ps (polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia)
Fatigue, weakness, sudden vision changes
Prone to infection, delayed healing
Vascular disease
Tingling, numbness in hands and feet

Problems with Diabetes
Possible Complications
Eye problems
Feet and skin can develop sores and
infections.
Affect blood pressure and cholesterol
Nerves in your body can get damaged
Kidney damage

Prevention and Control
Treatment

Goal of treatment: lower your high blood
glucose levels.
Long-term goals are to prevent problems from
diabetes.
The most important way to treat and manage
type 2 diabetes is activity and nutrition.


Managing Your Blood Sugar

Checking your blood sugar levels (glucometer) and write down the
results tells you how well you are managing your diabetes.

Keep these factors in mind:
Most people with type 2 diabetes only need to check their blood
sugar once or twice a day.
You may test yourself when you wake up, before meals, and at
bedtime.
You may need to test more often when you are sick or under
stress.


Diet and Weight Control

Managing your weight and having a well-
balance diet are important.

Work closely with your doctor, nurse, and
dietitian.
Your meal plans should fit your lifestyle and
habits and should include foods that you like.


Regular Physical Activity

Reasons why exercise is good for your
health:
Lowers your blood sugar
Burns extra calories and fat (manage weight)
Improves blood flow and blood pressure
Increases your energy level
Improves your ability to handle stress
(Make sure you talk to your doctor)

Medications to Treat Diabetes

Most common types of medication
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
Biguanides
DPP IV inhibitors
Injectable medicines
Meglitinides
Sulfonylureas
Thiazolidinediones
Insulin


Foot Care

To prevent problems with your feet:

Stop smoking if you smoke.
Improve control of your blood sugar.
Get a foot exam by your doctor at least twice a year
and learn if you have nerve damage.
Check and care for your feet every day. This is very
important when you already have nerve or blood
vessel damage or foot problems.
Make sure you wear the right kind of shoes. Ask
your doctor what is right for you.

Support Groups
American Diabetes Association
www.diabetes.org

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/

St. Francis Hospital (Diabetes Self-Management
Program)
www.sfh.reshealth.org