What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that affects approximately 18.2 million people in the United States ( 6.3% of the population ). It is characterized by blood glucose levels being above normal. Glucose is the main sugar found in the blood; although, it is important to the body because it is the main source of energy. After a meal, the food normally gets broken down by the body into sugar. It then gets carried by the blood to the cells throughout the body, to be used as energy. Insulin is important to the body because it is a hormone that is involved in converting the food into energy. People develop diabetes because their pancreas does not work correctly. The pancreas is the organ that makes insulin and enzymes needed for digestion. In people with diabetes, blood sugar levels increase because either their pancreas does not make enough insulin or the cells in the body do not use the available insulin properly.

What are the different types of diabetes?

There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 is formerly known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes. This type is most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 2 is formerly known as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes. This is the most common type and can develop at any age. Gestational diabetes typically develops during the second or third trimester in women who have high blood sugars during their pregnancy.

What are the risk factors for diabetes?

People at an increased risk for Type 1 diabetes generally have siblings or parents already diagnosed with it. Type 1 diabetes has also been linked to certain viral illnesses. People at an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes include the following: Greater than 45 years old Family history of diabetes Overweight and/or do not exercise regularly Certain ethnic groups: African American, Hispanic American, Asian & Pacific Islanders, and Native American descent People with low HDL (good) cholesterol Women who have had gestational diabetes Women who gave birth to babies weighing 9 pounds or greater.

What are the warning signs of diabetes?

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes can include the following: Excessive thirst Hunger Going to the bathroom more often Unusual weight loss Tiredness Blurred vision Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can include the following: Any Type 1 symptoms Cuts that heal slowly Numbness/tingling of the hands or feet If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, and believe you may have diabetes, you should contact your physician immediately.

What does having low and high blood sugar mean?

It is dangerous when your blood sugar levels go too low or too high. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, may cause symptoms such as dizziness, hunger, nervousness, shaking, sweating, sleepiness, and confusion. Treating your low blood sugar with 15 grams of carbohydrates (i.e. 4 oz. Regular soda, hard candy, 4oz. juice) should help to raise your blood sugar levels. If after 10-15 minutes your sugar does not increase, treat it again or call your physician. Long periods of high blood sugar levels are dangerous because they increase your risk for developing complications related to diabetes. Some of these complications include, heart disease, eye problems, kidney disease, and an increased risk for developing infections. When you have continuous high blood sugar readings, it is very important to talk to you physician about this issue. He or she may want to increase your medication dose.

What treatments are available for my diabetes?

Depending on the type of diabetes you are diagnosed with, there are various treatment options available. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin, since their bodies do not produce it. People with Type 2 diabetes should maintain blood sugar levels by healthy eating and exercise. If these approaches are not successful, people with Type 2 may need to take medication, or they may even end up on insulin therapy.

Instructions for Testing Blood Sugar 

1)  Make sure meter is programmed for the code number on the strips you are using.

2)  Obtain a blood drop using your lancing device and the correct technique.

3)  Insert test strip into meter –meter will automatically turn on and go thru a system check. In older meters, this step will not apply. Check instruction manual that came with the meter for proper strip insertion.

4)  When meter instructs you, apply a drop of blood on test strip following manufacture procedures.

5)  Meter will count down and display test result.