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November is National Diabetes Month. Listed below are the types of diabetes currently identified, as well as the ABC's for good blood sugar control.
There are two types of diabetes, referred to as Type 1 and Type 2.
The diabetes that effects children and young adults under the age of 30, is referred to as Type 1. People with Type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin at all. They must receive insulin injections for treatment. Less than 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1.
The remaining 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2. This condition is often, but not always, found in a person who is overweight. Studies show that these people have had diabetes for approximately seven years before it is diagnosed. The body is able to cover up this problem for several years, making it undetectable with a simple fasting blood sugar test. Eventually (seven to ten years later), the body can no longer keep up with the rising blood sugar and the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes is made. Because of the rising incidence of obesity in adolescents, we are now beginning to see Type 2 in these children. It should be noted that the American Diabetes Association is considering adding to the number of "types" of diabetes, and may also change the age parameters from that listed above.
Once diagnosed with diabetes, people tend to concentrate on keeping their blood sugar within normal limits, but don't worry about any other possible complications. The fact is, very few people with diabetes die of high or low blood sugar. They die of the complications of diabetes. Seventy-five percent of people with diabetes will die of heart disease. That is why when someone is diagnosed with diabetes, they must also consider how to keep their heart healthy. That brings us to the ABC's.
This term refers to the blood test that reveals what a person's blood sugar has been for the past three months. It is a very helpful test because it includes our average blood sugar for all times of the day, instead of just the blood sugar taken before breakfast. People with diabetes should have this test once or twice per year. If they are on an insulin pump, they need to have it taken three or four times per year.
Diabetes, or high blood sugar, effects the inside lining of the blood vessels. That lining is usually very smooth. High blood sugar makes it rough, sticky, and fragile. High blood pressure also wears out the inside lining of the blood vessels. Having diabetes and high blood pressure makes blood vessels more susceptible to plaque build-up, blockages, and clots. Keeping blood pressure under good control is extremely important to good overall health.
Cholesterol has been a hot topic for many years. We all know that we should keep our total cholesterol level under 200. With diabetes, we need to watch not only our cholesterol, but all of our lipids, such as triglycerides, LDL, and HDL. People with diabetes should have a lipid profile annually. Maintaining a proper weight and exercising regularly help keep lipids in good control.
In summary, diabetes has a very direct relationship to heart health. If you have diabetes, see your doctor on a regular basis for guidance in maintaining good control of your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
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