Many of us start the new year filled with hope and a list of resolutions to get fit, eat healthy and improve overall health.<\/p>\n
That may have started with a trip to the doctor for an annual physical to get things in check and plan for the year. <\/p>\n
But, if you\u2019re starting the year off with a diabetes diagnosis, then you most likely have a list of questions. <\/p> \n
There is much to learn, and it may seem overwhelming at first, but don\u2019t worry. <\/p>\n
Our mission at Quest Health Solutions is to provide diabetes education for patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and fellow diabetes educators.<\/p> \n
We\u2019ve compiled a quick list of important terms and facts to help you get started on your quest to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first thing you need to know is that you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are \u201c34.2 million Americans \u2013 just over 1 in 10\u201d1 living with Diabetes. Another \u201c88 million American adults \u2013 1 in 3 \u2013 have prediabetes.\u201d1 Chances are you have a friend, co-worker, family member or acquaintance that has experience with diabetes and can help. Developing a strong support system is the key to overcoming any obstacle in life and working through a diabetes diagnosis is no different. <\/p>\n\n
A quick google search of the word diabetes will return a string of even more words that can seem daunting. As a society, we are all familiar with the word, diabetes, but until it impacts you or someone close to you many of us don\u2019t fully understand what it means. Here are some basic terms and definitions that are key to understanding what living with diabetes means: <\/p>\n\n\n
\u25cf Pre-Diabetes \u2013 when blood sugar level is higher than it should be but not high enough to qualify for a Diabetes diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n
\u25cf Diabetes – \u201ca 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\u2019s cells for energy. A person with diabetes, either doesn\u2019t make enough insulin or can\u2019t use the insulin that it makes as well as it should.\u201d1 There are three types of Diabetes \u2013 type 1, type 2 and gestational which only occurs in pregnant women. <\/p>\n\n\n
\u25cf Type 1 Diabetes \u2013 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\u2019t be prevented. <\/p> \n\n
\u25cf Type 2 Diabetes – 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\u2019t produce enough insulin and blood glucose levels remain high resulting in diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented. <\/p>\n\n
\u25cf Blood Glucose Level – also referred to as blood sugar levels. This is the standard of measurement for those living with diabetes. Glucose is the main sugar found in blood. It is derived from food and is the body\u2019s main source of energy. Blood carries glucose to all body cells and uses it for energy. Measuring blood glucose and staying within target is one of the biggest challenges of diabetes. \u201cA fasting blood sugar of less than 100 mg\/dl is considered normal. A fasting blood sugar level from 100 to 125 mg\/dl is considered prediabetes. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg\/dl or higher occurring on two separate tests is considered diabetes.\u201d2<\/p>\n\n
\u25cf Hypoglycemia \u2013 a condition that occurs when blood glucose\/sugar falls too low. Blood sugar below 70 mg\/dl is considered low. A blood sugar that falls below 54 mg\/dl is considered dire and requires immediate action. <\/p>\n\n
\u25cf Hyperglycemia \u2013 a condition that occurs when blood glucose\/sugar is too high. Elevated levels are considered to be between 180 to 200 mg\/dl. It can develop slowly over days or weeks and are cause for concern. <\/p>\n\n
\u25cf A1C Test and A1C Levels \u2013 \u201cthe A1C test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin \u2013 a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen \u2013 is coated with sugar (glycated). The higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control and the higher the risk for diabetes complications.\u201d3 An A1C level below 5.7% is considered normal. Ranges between 5.7% and 6.4% are considered prediabetes and anything over 6.5% indicates Diabetes. This is an important number to watch to effectively manage and control your diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n
\u25cf Carbohydrates \u2013 are found in a variety of foods, both healthy and unhealthy. The three most common types of carbs are starches, sugars and fiber. The body converts most carbohydrates into glucose, a type of sugar, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream. Carbohydrates, in addition to the total sugar content on nutrition labels, should be monitored closely. <\/p>\n\n\n
There are two main types of monitoring systems to help control and manage diabetes.<\/p>\n
\u25cf\tBlood Glucose Monitor (BGM) \u2013 this system became readily available in the 1970s and tests the concentration of glucose in the blood through a fingerstick to draw blood. A test strip then interacts with a digital meter to identify blood glucose levels.\u201d4 BGMs measure glucose levels at a particular moment in time and focuses on a single number.<\/p> \n\n
\u25cf\tContinuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) \u2013 a small electrode is placed under the skin and is held in place by an adhesive. A transmitter attached to the electrode sends data to a separate unit. With the swipe of a handheld reader, results are available in seconds. Each scan provides a current glucose reading, an 8-hour history and a trend arrow. A Continuous Glucose Monitor helps patients track daily patterns, ranges, targets and can even alert patients, healthcare providers and family members when levels are too high or too low. CGMs are also compatible with most smart devices. There are several brands on the market today, including the FreeStyle Libre, Dexcom, and Medtronic. At Quest Health Solutions, our top pick is the FreeStyle Libre. Continuous Glucose Monitors, like the FreeStyle Libre, have also been linked to lowering A1C levels in patients who use the device. <\/p>\n\n
While starting the year off with a diabetes diagnosis is certainly not a resolution list item, millions of people living with diabetes have learned how to manage and control the disease. It takes effort, but it\u2019s not impossible. Through proper education and management, it can be done. 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. Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, diabetic educator or a loved one looking for more information, we are here to support you on this journey. 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, ben@questhealthsolutions.com<\/a> or schedule an appointment today<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n 1.\tCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020. Available at Click Here<\/a> accessed on 8 January 2022. <\/p>\n\n 2.\tMayo Clinic. Diabetes. Available at Click Here<\/a> accessed on 9 January 2022.<\/p> \n\n\t 3.\tMayo Clinic. A1C Test. Available at Click Here<\/a> accessed on 9 January 2022.<\/p>\n\n\t\t 4.\t(2020) Diabetes In Control. Is There a Future for BGM? Available at Click Here<\/a> accessed on 9 January 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Many of us start the new year filled with hope and a list of resolutions to get fit, eat healthy and improve overall health. That may have started with a trip to the doctor for an annual physical to get things in check and plan for the year. But, if you\u2019re starting the year off … <\/p>\n