Understanding diabetes: Are you part of the 23%?
By Sean McBride, PT, DPT
Diabetes is an epidemic in America, affecting more than 24 million people; however another 7.2 million people (23%) are undiagnosed. Since it is American Diabetes Month, it’s important to recognize and understand the disease that is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.
Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels. Normally, after consuming a meal, the pancreas secretes insulin. Insulin is a hormone that tells cells to take in sugar, which gets removes it from the blood stream. There are two main kinds of diabetes. In type 1, the body does not produce enough insulin. The majority of cases of diabetes are Type 2, where the body begins to become resistant to insulin. In either case, this results the amount of sugar in the blood exceeding normal levels. Over time, this higher level of blood sugar can lead to severe complications including:
• Nerve damage
• Kidney damage
• Eye damage
• Cardiovascular disease, stroke
• Peripheral vascular disease which may lead to bruises or injuries that do not heal, gangrene, and, ultimately, amputation
How can you recognize diabetes? An official diagnosis will require consultation with your doctor, and often includes a blood test to look at your blood sugar levels. The onset of symptoms can be sudden (often in Type 1) or gradual (Type 2). While the symptoms can vary, common examples are:
• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Fatigue
• Headache
Who is at risk for developing diabetes? Diabetes is not contagious. It can affect people of all races, genders, and ages. Risk factors can be divided into two categories: Non-modifiable and modifiable, as follows:
• Non-modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes include
• Older age
• Race or Ethnicity: African Americans, Mexican Americans, American Indians, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans are at an increased risk
• family history
• history of gestational diabetes (temporary diabetes with pregnancy)
• Low birth weight.
• Modifiable or lifestyle risk factors include
• increased body mass index (BMI),
• physical inactivity
• poor nutrition
• high blood pressure
• smoking, and alcohol use
Prevention and Management:
While diabetes is a serious condition, there are steps you can take to significantly lower your risk! Increased BMI is consistently shown to be one of the strongest risk factors for development of diabetes. As such, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in preventing diabetes. In addition to eating well, regular exercises helps manage blood sugar levels. Compared to individuals who don’t exercise, regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 86%! Even in diabetics, exercise can help both lower blood sugar levels directly, as well as increasing insulin sensitivity, helping to reverse some of the effects of the disease.
Starting a new exercise program can be intimidating, but physical therapy can be an excellent way to help get into a safe exercise routine. Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who frequently treat patient with diabetes, and can help create an individualized program. With proper diet, exercise, and weight loss, many patient can decrease their medication (under their doctor’s guidance), and some can even stop taking medication.
To learn more about how Sheltering Arms can help you, call (877) 56-REHAB to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist.