What To Know and What To Do. Review on Dealing with Diabetes

To get the energy from the starches and sugars that we eat, everyone needs adequate supplies of a hormone called insulin.  People who have diabetes either are not able to make enough insulin or are not able to make efficient use of whatever insulin that they do produce.  Without insulin, sugar will build up in the blood.  This will eventually lead to many serious problems.  Diabetes can start in childhood.  It will, however, most often appear later in life.  There is no cure, but it can be controlled.  If it is not controlled, it can result in damage to the heart, kidney, eyes, blood vessels, and nerves.

With Type I diabetes(the type that usually appears in children), the pancreas either makes to little insulin or none at all.  With Type II diabetes, (the type that develops in adults) the pancreas continues to make insulin, but the body fails to make use of it.

Signs and Symptoms: A good indicator that you may have diabetes is that some of the following symptoms may persist:

fatigue

great thirst

weight loss

frequent urination

increased vulnerability to infection

wounds that heal more slowly

eating more than usual

Treatment

People with Type I diabetes will usually need regular insulin injections.  People with Type II diabetes can many time be controlled through a special diet, exercise, and oral medications.  It may be necessary to take injections temporarily during times of high stress or illness.  Because there is no cure, what ever your treatment needs are, you will need to follow them for the rest of you life.

What you can do:

* The closer you follow your doctors instructions the better your chances of preventing dangerous complications.

• Take the medication that your doctor prescribed exactly as it has been prescribed.

  
  




• Be sure to test your urine or blood for sugar as you doctor has directed.

  
  




• Exercise regularly

  
  




• Eat balanced meals.  Three meals a day plus 2 or 3 snacks.  This will be determined by your doctor or a nutritionist.

  
  




• Maintain a healthy weight.

  
  




• Learn everything that you can about your disease.

  
  

Notify your doctor if:

• You have any questions about your medication, activity, or diet.

  
  




• You are continuing to have symptoms.

  
  

Remember, this is your life and your disease.  You must follow all the rules so that you can live a long and happy life.

~Debbie~