How to prevent and deal with diabetes?

Seminar teaches how to prevent and deal with diabetes

April Anthony spoke to a group of diabetics and their family members about how diabetes has become an epidemic disease, saying in just three to four years the numbers have increased from 20 million to 23.6 million.

The family nurse practitioner who is in the Southern Family Health Care facility on Price Street said in her seminar at Randolph Medical Center that diabetes has become more and more prevalent and a "shocking study" said of those born after the year 2000 one in three will be diabetic. It is estimated by 2030 the number of diabetics will double.

That is why she presented this education program during November's National Diabetes Month.

She said the answer is keeping children active, watching their diets and cutting out fast food. Type I diabetes usually happens in childhood because the pancreas in the abdomen does not produce insulin. In Type II diabetes cells do not use the insulin the body makes in the correct way. In both types sugar builds up in the bloodstream because it cannot enter the cells.

Insulin resistance most commonly results from obesity, and when people lose weight some no longer require treatment, she said. It is key to get on the right medication.

People often react negatively when the provider mentions insulin, and horror stories abound but it. People probably died because they did not go on insulin early enough. Great strides have been made in using insulin and it is not the end of the road, she said.

Anthony said her mother, father and grandmother were diabetics. It is important for people to be educated about diabetes, she said.

Increasing rates are partly because people are in a hurry and eat fast food in too large portions. A plate of diabetic friendly food was provided at the seminar and included chicken salad, a fruit combination and salad.

People should be tested every three years for diabetes if they are not already a diabetic. Below a hundred is a normal blood sugar and up to 125 is pre-diabetic but 126 or higher blood sugar indicates diabetes. Doctors once incorrectly said if it under 200 it is all right, Anthony said.

Symptoms include being thirsty, being hungry a lot, and skin lesions that do not quickly heal. A diabetic should ask the doctor to do an A1c test. It shows the average daily blood sugar levels over at two-to-three-month period. The A1c goal is less than 7 percent. If it is greater the diabetic may need to make changes in the diabetic regimen.

The blood sugar fasting rate should be between 90 and 130, and 140 two hours after meals. A diabetic should be seen more often than twice a year, she said, preferably every three to four months.

Diabetes can do extreme damage to the body. Diabetics are five times more at risk for heart disease and stroke than non-diabetics. One of six men and women in the United States dies of heart disease.

The blood pressure goal is 130/80 or lower. You may need an "ace inhibitor" to lower blood pressure and protect kidneys. The cholesterol goal for diabetics is 200 total with LDL or bad cholesterol being 70 and HDL or "good" cholesterol being 40 in men and 50 in women, but the higher the better, she said. Triglycerides should be at 150, she said.

Cholesterol should be checked at least annually and more often if abnormal or if you are on cholesterol medication.

Diabetes can cause damage to the tiny blood vessels that supply blood to the retina in the eye, causing vision problems or blindness. You should be tested for protein in the urine at least annually because the kidneys can be damaged long before any symptoms appear.

She recommended: stop smoking, get a yearly dilated eye exam, regularly visit the dentist, get an annual flu shot, have a comprehensive annual foot exam and report any foot problems to your healthcare provider and bring blood sugar logs to each doctor visit.

Diabetes can increase the glucose in saliva, causing tooth decay and gum infections. Be sure to tell the dentist you are diabetic.

One diabetic organization advocates a blood sugar level of 140 two hours after a meal while another says 180 but everyone should make it their goal to get below these numbers, Anthony said.

Diabetics need to take responsibility for their health, with 80 percent of how they do being up to them and 20 percent up to their health care provider, she said.

"It is your body, your health, your life and you have to take responsibility. Know your numbers," she said.

It is important to eat the right diet. Carbohydrates are important for energy. She said she may offer a counting carbohydrates class later if there is a need for it. It is important to limit starches and anything white like peas, crackers and corn. Carbohydrate counting is really important, she said. You need to go with colorful vegetables like carrots, squash and broccoli. Mentally you should divide your plate into four quarters for a meat, carbohydrate, and two other non-starch vegetables, taking into account your drink.

Look for total carbohydrates on food labels, not sugar. For example six saltine crackers equal 15 grams. People can still have sweets but they have got to count in the carbs. She said Splenda is one of the best non-sugar sweeteners and Stevia is a great natural sweetener.

Grilling and roasting is good for lean, non-fatty meats. Fish is great, but not fried. Use non-fat cook sprays, less salt, and low-fat or no-fat dairy products, she advised.

Exercise is important. Lack of exercise is why many are diabetic. No matter your age you can do something, she said. She has a video of someone exercising sitting in a chair. Get some one-pound weights. Weight-bearing exercises help keep calcium in the bones. Exercise lessens stress and improves depression.

Severe problems with blood circulation or nerve damage can lead to toe, foot, or leg amputation. A diabetic should never go barefoot and the feet need extra care.

Other health classes are planned and will be announced.

http://www.therandolphleader.com/articles/2010/12/15/news/948-diabetes.txt

www.DEPSYL.com

http://back2basicnutrition.com

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/