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The Pinecone
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November 2016 • 5 •
D I ABE T E S
Under s tandi ng
Diabetes describes a group of metabolic diseases in which a
person has high blood glucose (blood sugar). Glucose is vital
to your health because it is an important source of energy for
the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. Glucose is also
your brain’s main source of fuel. Even though glucose plays
a significant role in our health, having too much glucose can
lead to serious health problems. If you have diabetes, no matter
what type, it means you have too much glucose in your blood,
although the cause may differ.
The different types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational
diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and
young adults. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce
insulin. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to get glucose
from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. Type 2 diabetes
is the most common form of diabetes and most often diagnosed
in adults. If you have type 2 your body does not use insulin
properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, your pancreas
makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time it isn’t able
to keep up and can’t make enough insulin to keep your blood
glucose at normal levels. Gestational diabetes appears for the
first time during pregnancy. This can put one at risk for type 2
diabetes later in life.
The causes of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are thought to be a
combination of genetic and environmental factors but the exact
cause is unknown. With this being said, there are some factors
that may signal an increased risk. The risk factors for type 1
diabetes include family history, environmental factors, the
presence of damaging immune cells, and dietary factors. The
risk factors for type 2 diabetes include weight, inactivity, family
history, race, age, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol
levels. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented but type 2 diabetes
can by making healthy lifestyle choices. Eating healthier,
getting more physical activity, and losing excess weight (if you
are overweight) can help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes has long-term complications that develop gradually.
The longer you have diabetes, and the less controlled your
blood sugar is, will result in the higher risk of complications.
Possible complications include cardiovascular disease, nerve
damage, kidney damage, foot damage, skin conditions, hearing
impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease. Diabetes is a serious
disease so maintaining your blood sugar is very important. If
you have diabetes no matter what type, you want to commit to
managing it.
Please join us for Smart Moves on November 14 at 9:00 am in the
Performing Arts Center for further discussion on this topic.