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Symptoms, Statistics & SolutionsDealing with Diabetes:

In the U.S., 25.8 million people have diabetes. - American Diabetes Association

About 11 percent of people with prediabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes within three years, according to the American Diabetes Association.

• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week

• Attempt to lose 5 to 7 percent of your body weight (For someone who weighs 200 lbs. this is only 10 to 14 lbs.)

• See your physician every 3 to 6 months

• Eat green vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins

• Build a support group to provide encouragement

• Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night

• Keep a positive outlook

Making small, manageable changes over time can help you

maintain your health and keep prediabetes from developing

into a more dangerous type 2 diabetes.

To prevent a dive into diabetes, try these lifestyle changes that

can help slow down or even eliminate the process:

Of thOse, mOre than 7 milliOn peOple are living with undiagnOsed diabetes.

79 million people have blood glucose levels that are high enough to be considered “prediabetic.”

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes There are two main types of diabetes that have completely different triggers:

Type 1 diabetes is linked to genetics and, while it can occur at any age, it is most often diagnosed in children, adolescents and young adults. With type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. A significant insulin deficiency causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells. The body is then unable to use this glucose for energy. Patients can often encounter episodes of unconsciousness, and symptoms of diabetes can increase under certain circumstances, such as stress, pregnancy, and infections like pneumonia.

Type 2 diabetes is the bulk majority of diabetes, responsible for 95 percent of diabetes cases, according to the World Diabetes Foundation. Type 2 diabetes is related to lifestyles, with obesity being the number one risk factor. It is usually found in people over the age of 50. However, those under 50 and considered obese are also at risk. When type 2 diabetes is present, your fat, liver, and muscle cells do not respond correctly to insulin. As a result, blood sugar does not get into these cells to be stored for energy. When sugar cannot enter cells, high levels of sugar build up in the blood. This is called hyperglycemia.

• Being very thirsty

• Feeling hungry

• Feeling tired or fatigued

• Having blurry eyesight

• Losing the feeling or feeling tingling in your feet

• Losing weight without trying

• Urinating more often

• Deep, rapid breathing

• Dry skin and mouth

• Flushed face

• Fruity breath odor

• Nausea or vomiting, inability to keep down fluids

• Stomach pain

• Headache

• Hunger

• Nervousness

• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)

• Shaking

• Sweating

• Weakness

• Bladder, kidney, skin, or other infections that are more frequent or heal slowly

• Increased thirst

• Fatigue

• Hunger

• Increased urination

• Blurred vision

• Erectile dysfunction

• Pain or numbness in the feet or hands on

These symptoms may be the first signs of type 1 diabetes or may occur when the blood sugar is high:

These warning symptoms may be the first signs of type 1 diabetes or may happen when the blood sugar is very high:

Low blood sugar can develop quickly in people with diabetes who are taking insulin. Symptoms usually appear when the blood sugar level falls below 70 mg/dL. Watch for:

Often, people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at first. They may not have symptoms for many years. The early symptoms of diabetes may include:

The first symptom may also be:

Here are several symptoms of diabetes. If you or a loved one is experiencing any combination of these, see a doctor right away. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

T YPE 1 TYPE 2

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Myths & MisunderstandingsAs with any disease or health issue, education is an imperative step. To get a better understanding of diabetes, check out the Myths & Misunderstandings below.

MYTH: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.

TRUTH:Simply eating too much sugar is unlikely to cause diabe-

tes. Instead, diabetes begins when something disrupts

your body’s ability to turn the food you eat into energy.

MYTH:Carbohydrates are bad for those with diabetes.

TRUTH:Carbohydrates have the greatest effect on blood sugar

levels, which is why you are asked to monitor how many

carbohydrates you eat when following a diabetes diet.

However, carbohydrates contain many essential nutrients,

including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is best to choose

those with the most nutrients, such as whole-grain breads

and baked goods and high-fiber fruits and vegetables.

MYTH:Someone with diabetes should eat a lot of protein.

TRUTH:Meat, which is high in protein, also contains a lot of

saturated fat. Eating too much of these fats increases your

risk of heart disease. In a diabetes diet, protein should

account for about 15 to 20 percent of the total calories

you eat each day.

MYTH:You have to give up desserts if you have diabetes.

TRUTH:You can enjoy desserts if you follow these simple tips:

use artificial sweeteners, eat small portions, and consider

desserts an occasional reward for a well-followed diet.

MYTH:Fruit is healthy, so you can eat as much as you want.

TRUTH:While fruit is healthy (it contains fibers, vitamins, and

minerals) it contains carbohydrates. Fruits need to be

included in your meal plan, so talk to your doctor or dietitian

about how much fruit you should eat.

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Treatment OptionsYour physician will be your first defense against diabetes, so talk to him or her to see what you can do to make living with diabetes easier. The most important undertaking is controlling your blood sugar level.

How? Eat a healthy, balanced diet, exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and, if prescribed, take your medication or insulin as directed.

DIET:Your diet should be low in fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugar. Include lots of complex carbohydrates, plus fruits and vegetables. Attempt to eat around the same time every day to keep your blood sugar levels steady. Eat three meals a day and do not try to skip a meal.

EXERCISE: Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your blood sugar level. It can also help avoid heart disease, which is common with diabetes. Check with your physician to see what kind of exercise is best for you and your body. Remember to warm up for 5 to 10 minutes and stretch before exercising vigorously. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise sessions.

* It is important to check your blood sugar level before you start exercising, especially on unusually

hot or cold days. This will help prevent potentially dangerous fluctuations of blood sugar.

WEIGHT:Maintaining a healthy weight can help insulin work better in your body and lower your blood pressure, decreasing your risk for heart disease. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help you lose excess weight and keep it off, too.

MEDICATION:Oral medication can help your body use its insulin more effectively, while insulin injections add needed insulin to the body. If your doctor recommends oral medication or insulin injections, be sure to use them as directed.

To learn more about diabetes, speak with your Ohio Medical Group physician. He or she will be able to guide you toward a healthy, happy life with proper treatment and care.

Remember, being diagnosed with diabetes doesn’t mean you have to lead a monotonous life. With the proper guidance, you can eat what you like and participate in activities you love.

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