"Sugar" (Diabetes Mellitus)

Diabetes is when your body cannot get rid of increased amounts of sugar in your blood. According to Caspersen, Thomas, Boseman, Beckles, and Albright (2012), diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes affects 10.9 million U.S. adults aged 65 years and older and is expected to reach 26.7 million by 2050.

Two Kinds of Diabetes: Type I and Type II:

Type I: can start at any age but more commonly in childhood or adolescence. The pancreas (organ in your body that makes insulin) no longer produces insulin.

Type II: common in people that are overweight. The pancreas may still work, but it does not make enough insulin to remove excess sugar from your body.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes (Hillaire & Woods, 2013):

• Urinary frequency (polyuresis)
• Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
• Increased appetite (polyphagia)

                                          Source: Retrieved from a Google search at funny-pictures.picphotos.net

Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes:

• Heart Disease and Stroke
• Hypertension (High blood pressure)
• Blindness
• Amputations
• Kidney disease
• Disease of the nerves
• Erectile dysfunction (inability to get or maintain an erection) 

 

                             Source: Randy Glasbergen. (2009). Retrieved through a Google search. Cited at www.glasbergen.com
 According to Vaccaro and Huffman (2012), patient-provider communication is a key influence in self-managed care. Vaccaro and Huffman believe providers should be aware of language, literacy, and cultural differences when explaining the plan of care to those with diabetes.

Some Recommendations for Lifestyle Changes:

1. Decrease carbohydrates and sugar in your diet (white bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, candy, pop/soda, juice, and some fruits).
2. Exercise to build muscle and lose fat (weight loss decreases the amount of fat that demands insulin).
3. Take all your prescribed medications.
4. Attend all your doctor visits including yearly eye and foot exams.
5. Know your numbers: Hemoglobin A1C (which is a three-month average of blood sugars), blood pressure, kidney levels, and cholesterol numbers.

Diabetes animation video: Type 2 Diabetes:(Focus Medica, 2008).

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsTSoLhl3Y4  

References

Caspersen, C. J., Thomas, G. D., Boseman, L. A., Beckles, G. A., & Albright, A. L. (2012). Aging, diabetes, and the public health system in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 102(8), 1482-1497.

Focus Medica. (2008). Type 2 diabetes [Video]. Retrieved from https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsTSoLhl3Y4

Hillaire, M. L., & Woods, T. M. (2013). Type 2 diabetes: A focus on new guidelines. Formulary, 48(2), 55.

Vaccaro, J. A., & Huffman, F. G. (2012). Reducing health disparities: medical advice received for minorities with diabetes. Journal of Health and Human Services Administration, 34(4), 391-417.