What is Diabetes and diabesity?
Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body controls sugar levels in the blood. Over 100 million people worldwide have diabetes and it is estimated that by 2010 this figure will double. Individuals who suffer from diabetes do not process carbohydrates, fats and proteins normally. These are essential sources of energy for your body. What results is a very high level of sugar in the blood.
Diabesity is the combination of diabetes and obesity. These two diseases go hand in hand and it is very important to control obesity to help improve and prevent the development of diabetes.
The level of sugar (or glucose) is controlled by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. The levels of blood sugar fluctuate during the day depending on the time you ate and the amount of activity you are involved in . The development of diabetes depends on the amount of insulin in your body and how it is used .
There are two main types of diabetes , type 1 and type 2. The cause of diabetes is unknown but is thought to be related to obesity, diet, genetics, and possibly some viral infections. It is not a contagious disease.
Type 1 diabetes occurs primarily in young children and is characterized by a lack of insulin in the body. Insulin injections are needed to treat this condition.
Diabetes type 2 is much more common and accounts for approximately 90% of all cases. Genetic factors play a large role in the incidence of type 2 diabetes. This form of diabetes is very common in Latin-American families.
up Diabesity and Latinos
Hispanics / Latinos are amongst the most affected by diabetes. On average Hispanics are between two and three times more likely to develop the disease than non-Hispanic whites. In 2009 it is estimated that 2 million out of more than 40 million Latin Americans living in the United States have diabetes.
Unfortunately, the numbers continue to increase every day and it is thought that a third of diabetic Latinos in the United States remain unaware that they have diabetes.
It is estimated that 25% (1 of 4 people) of Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in the United States over age 45 have diabetes and over 15% of Cubans over age 45 in the United States also have diabetes.
10% of men and 11% of women in the Latino population have been diagnosed with diabetes, compared with 7% of men and 6% of women in the general population.
A Latino child born today has a 50% chance of developing diabetes in their lifetime. (Source: Joslin Diabetes Center)
Mexican-Americans have age-adjusted rate of higher metabolic syndrome of 31%. This compares with 23% in caucasions , 21% in african americans and 20% in other groups. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of symptoms (waist size, blood pressure, fasting glucose level, etc..) Considered as a precursor for diabetes and other chronic diseases. (Source: CDC)
High risk of health problems related to diet and lifestyle: Obesity rates among Latinos in the United States doubled between 1991 and 2001, representing an increase of 11% to 23% . The results are that 23% of Hispanic Men and 27.5% of Hispanic women are obese.
Only 45% of Latino adults participate in regular physical activity, compared with 49% of non-Hispanic blacks and 65% of non-Hispanic whites.
More than 30% of Latino children in the United States are overweight, compared with 25% of Caucasian children.
Latino adolescents born in the United States to immigrant parents are twice as likely, or more, to be overweight than foreign teenagers who move to the United States.
TELEVISION AND OBESITY: 50% of Latino children have TVs in their bedroom, compared with 20% of Caucasian children. Children who watch more television are less likely to participate in strenuous physical activity.
(Sources: The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, 1998, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC)
Do you belong to any of the following ethnic groups : African American, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American ?
Have you had gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes which occurs in pregnant women?
Have you given birth to a child weighing more than 9 pounds ?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, please consult your doctor to determine whether you need to be tested for diabetes
up SYMPTOMS The first symptoms of diabetes are due to the high levels of sugar (or glucose) in the blood. Warning signs of diabetes include:
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Increase in apetite
Weight loss
Fatigue
Numbness of the hands and feet
Frequent infections of the skin, bladder or vaginal area
Nausea and vomiting
Blurred vision
Severe infections of the gums
Cuts and bruises that heal slowly
If you answered yes to any of these questions, please consult your doctor to determine whether you need to be tested for diabetes.
up Diagnosis
The easiest way to diagnose diabetes is to be tested for sugar in the blood . This simple test can be performed by your Doctor after 8 hours of non fasting . If your blood sugar is over 126 mg / dl on two different days, the diagnosis of diabetes is assured.
Many experts recommend diabetes testing for all persons over 45 years of age . Youth and children in families with diabetes should also be evaluated regularly. Latino families in particular need to be very aware of the risk factors of diabetes.
Pregnant women should be tested for diabetes and need the blood test performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
up What your doctor is looking for ...
One of the first things your doctor is looking for is obesity. Individuals with a lot of abdominal fat, which gives the the appearance of an apple, have a higher risk of developing diabetes. Especially those with larger waist of 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men.
Your blood pressure will also be evaluated. The eye exam is also very important and your doctor will look for signs of a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Blisters or ulcers on the feet accompanied by numbness are common in people with diabetes.
Laboratory tests that your doctor may recommend include samples of urine for protein and a blood test called hemoglobin A1C . The A1C test is important because it gives a measure of blood sugar levels during the previous 3 or 4 months. The recommended level of A1C is 7.0%. Your cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats) levels are also important.
It is also possible that your doctor may perform an electrocardiogram to detect heart problems.
up Prevention
One of the most important things that you and your family can do to prevent diabetes is to maintain an active lifestyle. Make every effort to avoid becoming overweight. Obesity and type 2 diabetes go hand in hand in the Latino community. With the dramatic increase of Latino children diagnosed with diabetes, this takes great importance. If you have children, I recommend you teach them good eating habits and the joy and benefits associated with regular exercise. As we know, the example is the best teacher.
For those who have alraedy been diagnosed with diabetes, the previous also applies . It has been shown that regular exercise improves your bodys ability to use insulin. This helps to maintain normal sugar levels . Other recommendations include stop smoking, eating less fatty foods and manage stress in your life in a more positive way. You do not have to accomplish everything in one day.
The two keys to the treatment of diabetes are diet and exercise. It is estimated that one third of all individuals with Type 2 diabetes, could control their disease with diet and exercise alone. A regular and consistent routine is necessary. Losing only 10% of body weight can improve diabetes dramatically.
The diabetic diet is similar to the diets recommended to prevent heart disease and high cholesterol. In general, it is good to limit fat intake, particularly saturated fat. Examine the nutrition labels of food to find out how much fat they contain. Avoid excessive amounts of cholesterol and be sure to eat plenty of vegetables and fiber . There is no universal diet for all diabetics. If you have diabetes, please consult a dietitian for an individual program for you.
Exercise
Simple activities like walking and working in the garden are very beneficial. Exercise helps your body use insulin resulting in lower blood sugar levels . It also helps lower blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels and helps reduce the risk of heart attack. If you are interested in more strenuous exercise such as aerobics and tennis or weights, please consult your doctor before you start. Similar to the case of nutrition, it is essential to design an appropriate exercise plan for each individual. Meanwhile, lace up your sneakers and start walking!
Simple Recommendations
Eat less fat
Use less oil
Do not use butter
Eat less bread
Avoid junk food
Avoid soda
Eat more fresh vegetables
Use Olive Oil
Drink more water
Do not buy soft drinks for the home
Stay active
Walk with your family
Teach your children to eat and live better
Dance is a really good exercise and it is free!
Insulin
For some type 2 diabetics (and everyone with type 1 diabetes) insulin injections are necessary to control blood sugar. Insulin is being used increasingly in combination with medications taken. This has resulted in improvement of diabetes. A fear which many in the Latino community have is that insulin can cause blindness. This is not true. Insulin does not cause vision loss. On the contrary, it helps maintain good vision . Usually insulin is injected once or twice a day, however, the use of pumps implanted in the body and the development of a nose foam offer new alternatives. GLP-1 (glucagon-like insulinotropic peptide), an experimental drug that is applied between the lips and gums also offers new hope.
Other
If you have high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, your doctor may prescribe medications to help lower levels. Naturally, this would be combined with a regimen of exercise and diet. Medicines commonly used include, atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), fluvastatin (Lescol), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), cerivastatin (Baycol). Gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate (Tricor) are used mostly for high triglycerides.
Many doctors are recommending the use of a class of medications called ACE inhibitors for diabetic patients. These medications are used to treat high blood pressure and has been shown to be very effective in preventing damage to the kidneys. Its use is also being investigated in people at high risk for diabetes, but not yet diagnosed with the disease. ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme) common include; quinipril (Accupril), enalapril (Vasotec), ramipril (Altace), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) and captopril (Capoten). The ARBs also useful for the same reason.
up Natural Remedies
Natural remedies which are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes include; blueberry tea (Vaccinium myrtillus). This herb can help control sugar levels in the blood if used regularly. Cinnamon, Chromium and Fenugreek are also used around the world for diabetes. Practitioners of Ayurveda in India use a plant called gurmar ("destroyer of sugar"), also known as Gymnema sylvestre. Some natural stores in the U.S. are now selling this product. Coenzyme Q and Resveratrol are also recommended for people with diabetes.
Before taking any of these products, please consult your doctor.
Aerobic exercise is one of the best ways to control diabetes. Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise may prevent the development of diabetes in high-risk individuals, and in some cases even cause the disappearance of the disease.
Stress and tension affect all aspects of our lives and health. They can alter the progression of diabetes dramatically. Many have taken advantage of meditation, hypnotherapy, and other relaxation techniques. Participate in the management of all aspects of your health. This requires more effort and responsibility for your health on your part , but in the end, this is the reason why you have visited us here at drpacheco.com.
Prognosis / Complications Diabetes can have a very good prognosis, especially for those who care about their health and reduce their risk factors. In people with diabetes out of control, complications can be severe.
Emergency complications:
Diabetic Ketoacidosis. A medical emergency that can cause coma and death.
Hypoglycemic coma. Caused by low levels of blood sugar usually because of too much medicine for diabetes.
Other Complications: Cardiovascular Disease . . The management of diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity are essential to reduce the risk of heart disease. Strokes and heart attacks occur more often in diabetics who do not manage their cholesterol and diabetes well.
Blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people between the ages of 20-74 years in the U.S. Each year, more than 20,000 people lose their sight because of diabetes. Regular visits (at least once a year) with an eye specialist is necessary for all diabetics. For those who suffer from diabetic retinopathy, a disease of the blood vessels of the eye, laser surgery may save vision.
Kidney failure. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S., affecting over 25,000 people annually. Your doctor may recommend a low protein diet and medication class of drugs-ACE inhibitors or ARB, to protect kidney function.
Ulcers and Foot Amputations. Not counting injuries, diabetes is the leading cause of amputations of legs and feet. Each year, more than 50,000 individuals with diabetes lose a leg or foot. If you have diabetes, regular foot examinations are required. Examine your feet carefully for the presence of blisters, sores and redness. Ask your doctor to check your feet regularly. Many amputations due to diabetes are preventable with a little caution.
Numbness, tingling and pain. Diabetes affects the bodys nervous system, often resulting in these symptoms. Numbness of the feet is a common complaint. It usually occurs after 10 to 20 years of having diabetes. Ask your doctor about new treatments.
Sexual DysfunctionDue to the toxic effects that diabetes has on the circulation and nerves, impotence is another common problem.
Skin / Vaginal Infections. Many women with diabetes suffer from vaginal yeast infections. Cuts and scrapes also may not heal quickly which may signal that your blood sugar is too high. The best way to prevent this problem is to control the sugar levels in your blood.
up Call the Doctor ...
Some of the symptoms by which you should call your doctor include:
Excessive thirst. Freguently urinating .
Nausea or vomiting.
High sugar, eg more than 300.
Abdominal pain.
Sweet breath. This could be a sign of ketoacidosis, a dangerous complication.
Confusion, dizziness, headache or fatigue.
Blurred vision.
If you feel very ill ,please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
up Information and Support
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
60 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10010
(212) 889-7575 http://www.jdf.org/
The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
Box NDIC
Bethesda, MD 20892
(301) 468-2162 http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/
American Association of Diabetes Education (AADE)
Box 56, N. Woodbury Rd.
Pitman, NJ 08071
(609) 589-4831 http://www.aadenet.org/
The Lighthouse The New York Association for the Blind
111 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022
(212) 355-2200 http://www.lighthouse.org/
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