Educate Yourself About Diabetes

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My Diabetes Diagnosis

I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes on October 30,2008. It's been such a short time, that I still haven't truly adjusted to having this disease. I have plenty of time, though, since I will have diabetes for the rest of my life. Someday there may be a cure, but until then I will have to learn to live with and manage my diabetes, and to educate myself about it. This lens will mainly focus on Type 2 Diabetes, since that is the type I have.

Since my diagnosis, I've started to realize how many people don't know much about diabetes. That includes myself, I'm ashamed to say. With family's history including quite a few diabetics and me working in the health care field I should have, but never did, take the time to really understand what a diagnosis of diabetes really means to your lifestyle and health.

This lens is meant to share information and resources that I've found helpful. Your milage may vary. What I share here is based on my personal experiences, and not meant to be medical advice. You should always consult a doctor for medical advice and treatment.

*The above picture is a kaleidoscope I made from a photo of my glucose monitor.

Things I've Learned So Far About Diabetes 

One thing I've learned, is that diabetes very much an individual disease. Everyone is different, and what might work well for one person, may not for another. For instance, not every diabetic needs to have insulin injections. Some are able to control it with diet alone, others may need only oral medications in addition to dietary changes. I happen to be taking Actos (an oral medication), and am trying to eat foods that are better for my blood glucose (BG) levels.

Some patients will be able to work with their primary doctor, but others may need a more specialized treatment with an endocrinologist. Many patients find consulting a nutritionist who specializes in diabetes extremely helpful.

I've also learned that for a diabetic, changing your diet isn't about deprivation. It's about making smart choices and paying attention to how food choices affect your glucose level. Carbohydrates are very important to watch. Simple sugars and starches are carbohydrates. As a diabetic, my body still needs carbohydrates, but I have to be careful of how much and what kinds of carbs I eat.

Some Important Tests for Diabetics 

The following are some of the blood tests commonly done for diabetes diagnosis and treatment.
  • Fasting blood sugar (FBS): Also known as fasting glucose. This test is usually done in the morning after an overnight fast.
  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): A fasting blood sample is taken, then you are given a glucose drink. Blood samples are then taken at 30-60 minute intervals to measure how your body handles the glucose load over a period of hours.
  • 2 Hour Post-Prandial (2hrPP): A fasting blood sample is usually taken first, then again 2 hours after you have eaten a meal.
  • Hemoglobin A1C (HGBA1C): This test is a 3 month average of the amount of sugar in the blood.
  • Home monitoring (finger sticks): This is done at home by the patient. A small amount of blood is taken from the finger using a lancet and measured on a monitor.

Poll: Have you been tested for diabetes lately? 

Everyone should have their blood glucose level tested regularly, especially if there is a family history of diabetes. Testing is key to diagnosing and treating diabetes. When was the last time you had yours checked?

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Types of Diabetes 

Diabetes is a general term; there are different types of diabetes.
  • Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetics produce no insulin. Insulin is what your body uses to allow glucose into the body's cells to produce energy. Type 1 used to be called juvenile diabetes.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, the body produces insufficient insulin and is unable to use what it does have properly (insulin resistance).
  • Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy in women who normally are not diabetic. Usually goes away when the pregnancy is over, but does increase the chances of it happening in subsequent pregnancies.
  • Pre-diabetes: Condition where the blood glucose level is above normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes 

The following are some of the signs & symptoms of diabetes.

If you are experiencing symptoms of diabetes, you should consult your doctor.

Excess thirst or appetite
Fatigue
Frequent urination
Cuts or sores that heal slowly
Dry mouth
Unusual weight changes(loss or gain)
Blurred vision

These following 2 complications can be deadly and require immediate attention!

Ketoacidosis
Diabetic coma

Complications of Diabetes 

Diabetes is a life-long disease that can cause serious complications, especially if left untreated. Careful management of your diabetes can delay or sometimes prevent some of these from happening. The following is a list of some of the complications of diabetes.
  • Eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts.
  • Kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy)
  • Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
  • Gum disease
  • Amputations due to circulatory problems and infections.
  • Diabetics also have an increased risk for heart disease and stroke.

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by kalos_eidos

Hi! I'm a wife, mom and grandma who enjoys a wide variety of things. I like to knit, sew/quilt, crochet, create digital art(mainly kaleidoscopic art),... (more)

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