Diabetes – we are all familiar with the word, but until it impacts you or someone close to you most of us don’t pay much attention to the word, let alone the disease, or truly and fully understand what it even means. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes hearing the diagnosis before we take the word seriously. Then, when you do a search on the Internet to find out what it all means, you are presented with a sea of information that is difficult to decipher. Being diagnosed or having someone you love receive the diagnosis – is life changing. Understanding what Diabetes is, how it affects you and how your life will be forever impacted can be daunting at best. Here, we will try to define it, break it down, help clear up any confusion, and most importantly create awareness.
There is no time like the present to learn more about Diabetes because November is Diabetes awareness month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are “34.2 million Americans – just over 1 in 10”1 living with Diabetes. Another “88 million American adults – 1 in 3 – have prediabetes. More people are developing type 1 and type 2 Diabetes during youth, and racial and ethnic minorities continue to develop type 2 Diabetes at higher rates. Likewise, the proportion of older people in our nation is increasing, and older adults are more likely to have a chronic disease like Diabetes”
Globally, the numbers are even higher. The International Diabetes Federation, estimates that there are “463 million adults (20-49) living with Diabetes worldwide and expects this number to increase to 700 million by 2045”2 Here are some other staggering facts and statistics to help put the numbers into perspective and highlight the seriousness of Diabetes and why creating awareness across the globe is so important.
- ❖ In 2019, Diabetes caused 4.2 million deaths globally. It’s the 7th leading cause of death in the US.
- ❖ One in 5 people aged 65 and over have Diabetes.
- ❖ More than 1.1 million children and adolescents are living with Type 1 Diabetes.
- ❖ 374 million people are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
- ❖ Diabetes cost approximately USD 760 billion dollars in healthcare expenditures.
WHAT IS DIABETES?
“Diabetes is a chronic and long-lasting health condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. Most food is broken into sugar, called glucose, and it is released into the bloodstream. When blood sugar goes up, it signals the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key and lets blood sugar into the body’s cells for energy. A person with Diabetes, either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin that it makes as well as it should.”1 There are three types of Diabetes – type 1, type 2 and gestational which only occurs in pregnant women.
DIABETES DEFINED – TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2
What is the difference? Until you HAVE to pay attention, it can be confusing! Before delving in, it is important to remember that too much glucose in the blood can have harmful effects over time.
TYPE 1 – With Type 1 Diabetes, the immune system creates antibodies that destroy insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is needed for cells to take up glucose. If insulin is lacking, as is the case with Type 1, then this raises blood glucose levels and results in Diabetes. A person living with Type 1 Diabetes requires insulin therapy because they lack the cells needed to produce insulin. Type 1 Diabetes can’t be prevented.
Type 2 – Considered to be the more common form of Diabetes, Type 2 occurs when cells in the body become more resistant to the effects of insulin, so less glucose is taken up by the cells. This raises blood glucose. Cells in the pancreas try to produce and release more insulin to overcome this resistance. Over time, the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin and blood glucose levels remain high resulting in Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented.
DIABETES COMPLICATIONS
Proper Diabetes management is key because failing to control blood sugar levels and improper maintenance can put patients at a higher risk for complications. Many complications associated with Diabetes can be disabling and even life threatening. Patients with a strong support network tend to have better healthcare outcomes so it’s important to understand the complications and why proper management is vital:
- ❖ Cardiovascular problems like coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, chest pain and narrowing of the arteries.
- ❖ Nerve damage which if left untreated could cause loss of feeling in affected limbs.
- ❖ Kidney damage which can lead to kidney failure and kidney disease.
- ❖ Eye damage like cataracts, glaucoma and blindness.
- ❖ Foot damage from untreated cuts and blisters can lead to serious infections and possible amputation.
- ❖ Skin conditions including bacterial and fungal infections.
- ❖ Hearing Impairment including hearing loss.
- ❖ Depression which can affect Diabetes management.
MANAGING DIABETES
Millions of people living with Diabetes have learned how to manage and control the disease. It takes effort, but it’s not impossible and should always be taken seriously. Through proper education, diet, exercise, sleep and knowledge, it can be done. It is also imperative that patients know their numbers and learn how certain foods and activities affect overall blood glucose levels. Patients who are able to use a Continuous Glucose Monitoring system, like the FreeStyle Libre, can stay ahead of the numbers, monitor trends and stay prepared for what is coming.
CREATING AWARENESS – TOGETHER WE STAND GREATER THAN DIABETES
At Quest Health Solutions, our mission is to create awareness and provide support and education to our patients and healthcare providers. By working together, we can all learn how to take control of Diabetes before it takes control of us. A strong support network is key, and we are here for you. Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, a Diabetic educator or a loved one looking for more information, we are here to support you! To learn more or to find out how a Continuous Glucose Monitor can be part of the solution, contact us 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, Ext. 1011 or email ben@questhealthsolutions.com .
1. (2020) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at Click Here. Accessed on 13 November 2020.
2. (2020) International Diabetes Federations. About Diabetes. Available at Click Here. Accessed on 13 November 2020.
3. (2020) Mayo Clinic. Diabetes. Available at Click Here.
4. American Diabetes Association – We Stand Great Than Campaign. Available at Click Here Accessed on 14 November 2020.