Note: This discussion is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as or replace advice, information, or treatment from health care professionals.
November is American Diabetes Month, opens a new window, a time to focus our attention on diabetes and how to identify it, treat it, and live well with it.
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. During digestion, the body breaks down the carbohydrates in foods into glucose, a form of sugar that enters the bloodstream and provides a source of energy for the body. The pancreas makes a hormone called insulin, which is released into the blood in order to transfer the glucose to cells. In diabetes, however, this process is disrupted. Either the pancreas does not make and release insulin, or cells become resistant to insulin. In both cases, rather than being transported to cells throughout the body, glucose builds up in the blood. While the exact causes of diabetes are unknown, it is likely that there are both genetic and environmental factors that lead to its development. There is no cure for diabetes. The CDC estimates, opens a new window that 10.5% of Americans had diabetes in 2018.
TYPES OF DIABETES
Most cases of diabetes fall into one of three categories:
Type 1 diabetes, opens a new window is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system gradually destroys virtually all of the pancreatic cells that make insulin. Because people with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin naturally, they must take insulin daily in order to stay alive. Type 1 accounts for roughly 5 to 10% of diabetes cases and is likely to emerge before or during early adulthood.
Type 2 diabetes, opens a new window is a condition with two drivers of dysfunction. The pancreas does not produce enough insulin, and the body’s cells do not respond sufficiently to the insulin that is present. People with type 2 diabetes manage the disease with diet, exercise, and sometimes medications or insulin therapy. Type 2 accounts for roughly 90 to 95% of diabetes cases. Historically, type 2 diabetes has been diagnosed in middle adulthood or later; however, it is less uncommon in younger people as well now.
Gestational diabetes, opens a new window is a disease that affects some pregnant people who did not previously have diabetes. It is associated with a higher risk of pregnancy complications. Usually, gestational diabetes resolves after the pregnancy is over. However, people with gestational diabetes are at higher risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes later on, and their babies may experience health complications. Gestational diabetes must be closely monitored and is managed with diet, exercise, and medication if needed. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed in 2 to 10% of pregnancies each year.
RISK FACTORS
As the CDC explains, opens a new window, having a close relative (parent or sibling) with type 1 diabetes is a risk factor for developing type 1. Additionally, it is more likely to occur in particular age groups (children, teens, and young adults) as well as among white people compared to African Americans and Hispanic/Latino Americans.
People with the following characteristics are at risk for type 2 diabetes:
- prediabetes
- overweight
- 45 years or older
- close relative (parent or sibling) with type 2 diabetes
- physically active less than 3 times a week
- history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy), or gave birth to a baby who weighed at least 9 pounds
- African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, or Alaska Native (Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans may sometimes be at higher risk as well).
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
As noted, opens a new window by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), there are several common symptoms of diabetes. They include:
- increased hunger, thirst, and urination
- fatigue
- unexplained weight loss
- blurred vision
- numbness/tingling in the extremities
- sores that won’t heal.
DIAGNOSIS
Physicians can perform a number of tests to determine whether someone has diabetes.
- A1C test: This blood test determines average blood glucose over the previous few months. An A1C higher than 6.5% is an indication of diabetes.
- Blood sugar test: Diabetes is indicated if the blood sugar level is at least 126 after a fasting blood sugar test or at least 200 after a random (nonfasting) blood sugar test.
- Urine test: People with type 1 diabetes can have ketones in their urine. Ketones are a byproduct of burning fat for energy and are an indication that the body's cells are not getting glucose.
- Blood test for antibodies: People with type 1 diabetes can have autobodies present in their blood that indicate that the immune system is attacking the pancreas.
People with diabetes can live fulfilling, active, happy, and healthy lives. It requires careful monitoring of their condition, regular health checkups, healthy eating and exercise, and following necessary medication and insulin regimens.
There are abundant resources for people who have diabetes as well as for their loved ones and caregivers. Below is a list of many of the resources available at the St. Tammany Parish Library. The list also includes web links to organizations that provide helpful information and support. Contact a reference librarian if you need help accessing any of these resources.
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St. Tammany Parish Library has lots of diabetes resources for patrons of all ages. Take a look at the list below to see just some of what's available!
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