Diabetes Resources
Arbor Family Health has put together a list of resources and links to help you understand more about diabetes. Always remember, if you have questions, we are here to answer them. Just give us a call! 1-888-711-3785 or call your nearest clinic.
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What Is Diabetes? What are the Different Types of Diabetes? from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy. Sometimes your body doesn’t make enough—or any—insulin or doesn’t use insulin well. Glucose then stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells.
Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause health problems. Although diabetes has no cure, you can take steps to manage your diabetes and stay healthy.
Sometimes people call diabetes “a touch of sugar” or “borderline diabetes.” These terms suggest that someone doesn’t really have diabetes or has a less serious case, but every case of diabetes is serious.
What are the different types of diabetes?
The most common types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes: If you have type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. Your immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can appear at any age. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to stay alive.
Type 2 diabetes: If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make or use insulin well. You can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood. However, this type of diabetes occurs most often in middle-aged and older people. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes develops in some women when they are pregnant. Most of the time, this type of diabetes goes away after the baby is born. However, if you’ve had gestational diabetes, you have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Sometimes diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy is actually type 2 diabetes.
Other types of diabetes: Less common types include monogenic diabetes, which is an inherited form of diabetes, and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes External link.
What health problems can people with diabetes develop?
Over time, high blood glucose leads to problems such as
heart disease
stroke
kidney disease
eye problems
dental disease
nerve damage
foot problems
You can take steps to lower your chances of developing these diabetes-related health problems.
Diabetes affects just about everyone, from the over 110 million Americans with or at risk for the disease to the many more people who care for them.
Who is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes?
Being overweight or obese is the biggest risk factor for type 2 diabetes. However, your risk is higher if you tend to carry your weight around your abdomen as opposed to your hips and thighs. A lot of belly fat surrounds the abdominal organs and liver and is closely linked to insulin resistance. You are at an increased risk of developing diabetes if you are:
A woman with a waist circumference of 35 inches or more
A man with a waist circumference of 40 inches or more
You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are age 45 or older, have a family history of diabetes, or are overweight. Physical inactivity, race, and certain health problems such as high blood pressure also affect your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. You are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you have prediabetes or had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant. Learn more about risk factors for type 2 diabetes. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
What YOU can do to treat diabetes
1) Eat more healthy
You may worry that having diabetes means going without foods you enjoy. The good news is that you can still eat your favorite foods, but you might need to eat smaller portions or enjoy them less often. Your health care team will help create a diabetes meal plan for you that meets your needs and likes. Just give us a call! 1-888-711-3785 or call your nearest clinic.
The key to eating with diabetes is to eat a variety of healthy foods from all food groups, in the amounts your meal plan outlines. READ MORE
Controlling your portion sizes: You can use everyday objects or your hand to judge the size of a portion.
1 serving of meat or poultry is the palm of your hand or a deck of cards
1 3-ounce serving of fish is a checkbook
1 serving of cheese is six dice
1/2 cup of cooked rice or pasta is a rounded handful or a tennis ball
1 serving of a pancake or waffle is a DVD
2 tablespoons of peanut butter is a ping-pong ball
2) Get more active
Exercise can help you manage your weight and may improve your insulin sensitivity. An easy way to start exercising is to walk for 30 minutes a day (or for three 10-minute sessions if that’s easier). You can also try swimming, biking, or any other moderate-intensity activity that has you working up a light sweat and breathing harder.
Benefits of physical activity:
lowers blood glucose levels
lowers blood pressure
improves blood flow
burns extra calories so you can keep your weight down if needed
improves your mood
can prevent falls and improve memory in older adults
may help you sleep better
3) Take care of your feet
People with diabetes may have problems with their feet because of poor blood flow and nerve damage that can result from high blood glucose levels. To help prevent foot problems, you should wear comfortable, supportive shoes and take care of your feet before, during, and after physical activity.
Treatment and Care (diabetes.org)
Blood sugar testing
Medication management
For assistance, or to schedule an appointment call 1-888-711-3785 or call your nearest clinic.