Diabetes…What's the Big Deal?

"Okay. So I have 'a touch of sugar.' Doesn't everyone over the age of 65?"

Not according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Diabetes affects 17 million Americans and about 1 out of 5 over the age of 65. Having high sugar or glucose levels, even a little high, can take a toll over time on your body. High sugar levels can lead to serious degenerative changes in the eye, nerve and kidney and make you more susceptible to infections. And per the ADA, "high sugar levels can blur your vision or make you feel tired or thirsty all the time. People with diabetes also are more likely to develop other health problems, including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and fat levels, and heart disease." Diabetes is a chronic disease with no cure, but it can be treated and complications avoided or minimized when patients are informed of, and comply with, proper treatment.

Diabetes mainly occurs in two forms:
Type 1: the pancreas does not make insulin.
Type 2: the body does not effectively use insulin.

Ninety to ninety-five percent have Type 2 diabetes, often called "adult onset diabetes," and most people who develop it are in their middle years or older. People with Type 2 diabetes should try to reach their ideal weight, follow a regular exercise program, and control their blood sugar levels, as well as lowering high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Another category is called Impaired Glucose Tolerance or "pre-diabetes." In the past, the term borderline diabetes was used. These individuals have an abnormal blood sugar (glucose) response to an oral glucose tolerance test (a glucose challenge) but normal fasting blood sugar. According to the ADA, pre-diabetes is a serious medical condition because one is likely to develop diabetes and may already be experiencing the adverse health effects of this serious condition. People with pre-diabetes are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The good news is that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes by making diet changes and increasing physical activity. While some medications may delay the development of diabetes, diet and exercise have better results. Just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10% reduction in body weight, produced a 58% reduction in diabetes.

Treatments to control blood sugar typically involve working with a health care team to learn management of diet, oral medications and insulin injections. There are several oral medications or pills that help the body use insulin more effectively. Although daily insulin injections may be uncomfortable, many advances in insulin delivery have made insulin shots a more effective tool to reduce and control sugar levels. Insulin needles now are very tiny, and almost painless. Other options include pen injectors. Insulin comes in various acting times: short, medium and long making them more effective in glucose control.

The overall goal is to keep sugar levels as near normal as possible. However, it is a daily task and one that requires monitoring by you and your health care team. The results pay off with a healthier body.