An estimated 21 million people have diabetes in the U.S., representing 7%
of the population. And of those, more than 6 million cases are
undiagnosed.
Test yourself on diabetes
True or
false? There is a blood test that can tell the average amount
of sugar in your blood over the past three months.
True. It's called the A1C test, and it is the best way to know
if your blood sugar is under good control.
True or false? Finding and treating diabetes early, along with
receiving regular care, can decrease your chances of eye disease, kidney
disease, nerve damage and other complications.
True. High blood sugar over a period of time can contribute to a
number of complications. Keeping blood sugar as close to normal as
possible helps to prevent these problems.
True or false? One session with a dietitian or diabetes educator should
be enough to help you manage your diabetes for life.
False. Diabetes is a long-term condition and treatment measures
change over time. It's best to see a diabetes educator or dietitian every
6-12 months.
True or false? It's not necessary for you to know your blood sugar
levels as long as your health care provider knows them.
False. You need to play an active role in managing your
diabetes. This includes keeping track of your numbers, so you know how
well your treatment plan is working.
True or false? People with diabetes should have their feet, eyes, and
kidneys checked regularly.
True. Diabetes-related problems can be prevented or slowed if
they are found and treated early.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which the body has trouble changing food into
needed energy. As a result, the levels of sugar in the blood become
higher than normal. Often diabetes goes undiagnosed because many of its
symptoms seem so harmless. The symptoms of diabetes include:
Frequent
urination
Excessive thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Increased fatigue
Irritability
Blurry vision
If you have one or more of these symptoms, see your doctor
right away. Recent studies indicate the early detection of diabetes
symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the
complications of diabetes.
Do you have pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes means that a person's blood sugar numbers are higher
than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. Millions of
people have pre-diabetes but do not know it.
Learn if you have pre-diabetes.
Types of diabetes
There are several types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes – the body stops making insulin or makes only a very
small amount. Insulin is needed for the body to turn food into energy.
Type 1 diabetes needs to be treated lifelong with insulin, meal
planning, and exercise.
Type 2 diabetes – the body does not make enough insulin and the
cells are resistant to the effects of insulin. Muscle and fat cells in
the body need insulin to take up sugar from the blood. Type 2 diabetes
needs to be treated lifelong with meal planning, exercise, and possibly
medication. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type – more than 90% of
patients with diabetes have this form of the disease.
Gestational diabetes – high blood sugar occurs during pregnancy,
usually around the 24th week. It is often controlled with a special meal
plan, and sometimes insulin is needed. Gestational diabetes usually goes
away after the baby is born, but the woman is at risk for developing
diabetes later in life.
Secondary diabetes– high blood sugar occurs as a result of other
diseases. If the primary disease can be resolved, often the diabetes
will go away.
If you do have diabetes...
If you have diabetes, you already know how important it is to be an
active partner in your health care. Managing diabetes well takes
knowledge and effort on your part. Our goal at Aurora Health Care is to
ensure that every person with diabetes receives the highest level of
treatment and education. This is why diabetes management is one of
Aurora's care management initiatives.
What you can do to help manage your
diabetes
Know your numbers. Set goals with your health care provider: What
should your blood sugar and A1C numbers be? How often should you have these tests?
Be sure you understand and follow your treatment plan, including medications,
meal plan, activity program, proper foot care,
etc. By doing so,
you'll be helping yourself meet your blood sugar goals.
Be a partner in your care. Work with your health care provider to
develop a treatment plan that works for you. Keep track of your blood
sugar and A1C numbers, your medications, appointments, and other key
parts of your care. If you have questions or you think changes may be
needed in your treatment plan, call your health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this site is intended for
general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to
replace the advice of your own physician. Contact your physician if you
believe you have a health problem.
If you do have diabetes...