Chronic Disease

Diabetes: An incredibly scary word that causes most people to cringe when heard; especially if it happens to be prevalent in an individual’s family history. If faced with the possibility of having diabetes the best thing to do is to become informed about the chronic disease by talking to a doctor, doing research on the internet or at the library, or perusing through a bookstore and buying a couple of books on the subject of diabetes. Being better informed will help an individual decide on the best way to take care of this chronic disease which has a couple of different types.

Type 1 diabetes is thought to be an autoimmune chronic disease in which the body's immune system attacks the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes may run in families but is less likely to occur than in type 2. Environmental issues, for example, certain kinds of viral infections, can also contribute. Type 1 diabetes can be commonly found in people of non-Hispanic white individuals of Northern European origin, with African Americans and Hispanic Americans following closely behind with individuals of Asian origin rarely ever contracting it. Men are more likely than women to have type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is thought to have a powerful genetic link. Type 2 diabetes risk factors include: High blood triglyceride levels; high-fat diet; obesity or being overweight; high blood pressure; sedentary lifestyle; high alcohol intake; and gestational diabetes. Another risk factor is ethnicity because Native Americans, African Americans, Japanese Americans, and Hispanic Americans have a better chance of developing type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic whites. The final risk factor is age and the risk begins to escalate considerably at 45 years of age, and increases drastically after age 65.

If an individual has diabetes sugar or glucose in the blood cannot be regulated by the body. Glucose supplies the body with the energy an individual must have when he or she walks briskly, runs for a bus, takes an aerobics class, rides his or her bike, and performs the day-to-day chores. The following are some facts from the Web site Medical Health Information that might aid in understanding glucose and its importance in the body:

• “Glucose is produced by the liver from the foods you eat.

• In a healthy person, the blood glucose level is regulated by several hormones, one of which is insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas, a small organ near the stomach that also secretes important enzymes that help in the digestion of food.

• Insulin allows glucose to move from the blood into liver, muscle, and fat cells, where it is used for fuel.

• People with diabetes either do not produce enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or cannot use insulin properly (type 2 diabetes), or both.

• In diabetes, glucose in the blood cannot move into cells, and it stays in the blood. This not only harms the cells that need the glucose for fuel, but also harms certain organs and tissues exposed to the high glucose levels” (2007).

Diabetes symptoms comprise of fatigue; excessive thirst; poor wound healing; excessive urination; unexplained weight loss; excessive eating; infections of the genitals, skin, and the urinary tract; altered mental status; and blurry vision. Every one of these symptoms can be very serious and if an individual is experiencing any of these he or she should make an appointment to be seen by a doctor immediately.

If an individual finds out he or she has diabetes, the next move should include making healthy changes in his or her lifestyle including, but not limited to, diet and exercise which will aid in improving blood sugar control and preventing or minimizing diabetes complications. According to a Medical Guideonline article “A healthy diet is key to controlling blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes complications. Eat a consistent, well-balanced diet that is high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and low in concentrated sweets. Regular exercise, in any form, can help