World Diabetes Day

Celebrating World Diabetes Day

Did you know that there is an estimated 25.8 million people in the United States that have diabetes? This equates to approximately 8% of the population. While an estimated 24 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately nearly one-third are unaware that they have the disease. In celebration of World Diabetes Day, Cozy Living Community is spreading awareness of Diabetes and the most common types.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease of the endocrine system that effects the metabolism, causing an impact to every system of the body. It is a disease of the pancreas in which the body can’t use carbohydrates (sugars and starches) efficiently and does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. When the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or does not use insulin properly to change carbohydrates to energy, the body burns fats for energy instead. This can lead to a dangerous imbalance in ketones, which is the product of fat breakdown. The exact cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery although, several factors such as age, obesity, family history, and lack of exercise appear to play a role in this diagnosis.

Types of Diabetes

There are two common types of diabetes Type 1 or Type 2, with Type 2 being the most common. In both types of diabetes, the body lacks a hormone called insulin that helps move glucose or blood sugar into the cells where it can be burned for energy. As a result, the blood sugar level of a person with diabetes can become very elevated. To control the blood sugar levels, diabetic patients must follow a special diet, watch their weight, and try to stay active. For some diabetics, these measures aren’t enough, and they need to take oral medications. People with Type I diabetes must take daily injections of insulin.

Type 1 Diabetes:

 

Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. It is an autoimmune disease that is often first diagnosed during childhood. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, and clients must take insulin to live. 

 

This disorder results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and provide energy. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.

Symptoms may include: 

  • Increased thirst and urination 
  • Constant hunger 
  • Weight loss 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (life-threatening coma)

Type 2 Diabetes:

 

Type 2 diabetes is also known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, frequently abbreviated as (NIDDM). However, it is important to note that some individuals also require insulin with this Type of diabetes. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency.

 

Risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes include:

  • Obesity 
  • Family history of diabetes 
  • Physical inactivity 
  • History of diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
  • Certain ethnic groups

Diabetes can cause very serious complications. Constant attention is required to help patients stay as healthy as possible. Without treatment and regular testing, diabetic patients are at risk for:

  • Blindness 
  • Heart disease 
  • Stroke 
  • Kidney disease 
  • Nerve damage, causing pain or numbness 
  • Wound and skin infections 
  • Poor circulation, leading to amputations 
    Low blood sugar or high blood sugar

References:

Diabetes for CNAs. (January, 2013). RN.com. Retrieved from https://lms.rn.com/getpdf.php/1848.pdf on May 1, 2019.

Living with Diabetes: Complications. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications on May 11, 2019.

News: The Rise of Diabetes and the Urgent Need for Action. (November, 2018). 
GBC Health. Retrieved from http://www.gbchealth.org/news-the-rise-of-diabetes-and-the-urgent-need-for-action/ On April 19, 2019.

 

Inecia Stewart, MSN, CCRN, RN-BC