“Diabetes” When blood sugar is out of control

What happens if the body can’t handle carbs normally? One result is diabetes. This can be detected by a blood test, and afflicts a rapidly growing number of adults and children in the U.S.

In 1997, no state had a greater prevalence than 8%. By 2007, eight states had a diabetes prevalence of 10% or greater!

“Almost 24 million Americans have diabetes.” “As many as 57 million have prediabetes: elevated blood sugar” Over 6 million are unaware, and will go untreated.

The Perils of Diabetes “Seventh cause of death in the U.S.” “Risk of heart disease and stroke doubles” In the U.S., it is the leading cause of permanent blindness and fatal kidney failure. (The kidneys clean the blood.)

Diabetes costs nearly $132 billion in U.S. health-care services. So why is it such a problem?

“Effects of Excess Glucose” “Alters metabolism in almost every body cell” “eye cells swell” This causes vision problems. excess glucose “alters proteins so they can’t function”

Structures of “blood vessels and nerves damaged” Which leads to loss of circulation and nerve function “Loss of blood flow to kidneys” Which leads to the need for dialysis, medical cleansing of kidneys

This “can lead to insulin resistance: insulin doesn’t affect blood glucose” In addition, inflammation of tissues can worsen obesity, heart disease, and cancer. Poor circulation can also increase the likelihood of infections (leading to death of tissues and amputation).

Prediabetes and Testing “Prediabetes is a blood glucose level just slightly higher than normal.” Treatment is so vital because it can delay or even prevent the progression to true diabetes!

American Diabetes Association calls for everyone over 45, and younger people with risk factors, to be tested regularly. “In a test, patient fasts overnight, measures glucose in a.m.” Normal: mg/dL Prediabetes: mg/dL Diabetes: ≥ 126 mg/dL

“Type 1 Diabetes” Autoimmune disorder “Immune system identifies insulin as an enemy, attacks pancreas” If you’ll recall, the pancreas manufactures insulin. After meals, glucose builds up in blood, but can’t get into tissues.

“Insulin shots are needed to manage sugars.” It can’t be taken orally; the body would just digest it. Some people have insulin pumps.

The Future Possibly: Transplants of pancreatic cells? Vaccines?

“Type 2” “90-95% of cases” “Tissues lose sensitivity to insulin” So the muscles and fat cells stop increasing uptake of glucose from the blood. “Insulin can rise to counter this”

“Eventually, insulin production will drop.” So what are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes? “Middle age, obesity, inactivity increase risk.” Obesity is an especially important factor. With the increase in childhood obesity, we see kids with type 2!

“Diabetes and obesity are a vicious cycle!” One encourages the other; hard to lose weight with diabetes.

“Preventing Type 2” “Healthy body weight” Even losing 10 lbs, an obese person can greatly reduce risk! “Exercise regularly” “Restrict alcohol” “Don’t smoke” Never too late!