A common misconception is that “diabetes is diabetes.” In reality, it is a group of diseases, all of which are similar in that they prevent the body from properly converting ingested food into energy. The causes for each type differ, but common to all is a high level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Managing any type of diabetes requires balancing diet, physical activity and, if necessary, medications. The disease is often, but not necessarily, hereditary.

The Three Major Diabetes Types Are:

• Type 1: Formerly known as juvenile diabetes, this is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce insulin, a hormone required for the conversion of sugars, starches and other foods into usable energy. Most often, it is controlled with manufactured insulin.
• Type 2: This is the most common form of diabetes, a result of the body no longer producing enough insulin. Type 2 can and often does develop later in life as a result of diet, obesity, lack of exercise and other factors, either individually or in combination. It is sometimes controlled by a diet-and-exercise regimen, frequently in conjunction with the use of oral medications and/or insulin.
• Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes is found in women who have never had diabetes before and who have high blood glucose levels just during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of pregnant women in the United States. Treatment is important for the health of the mother and the baby.

Five Trouble Signs
Jean Kostak, MS, RD, CD-N, center administrator, Joslin Diabetes Center affiliate, New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, CT, advises caregivers to watch for the following:

Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia, glucose below 70mg/dl)

• Symptoms: shakiness, sweating, weakness, dizziness, irritability, hunger, headache. Later symptoms: mood swing, staggering gait, weepiness or anger
• What to do:
  1. Check blood sugar to confirm; take 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate immediately (3 glucose tablets; ½ cup juice or regular soda; 4-5 pieces of hard candy).
  2. Test blood sugar again in 10 to 15 minutes; repeat ingestion of 15 grams of carbohydrate if glucose level is still below 70 mg/dl. Eat a meal within the hour. If symptoms persist, call the doctor.
  3. If extreme confusion or unconsciousness occurs, give glucagon (a prescribed medication injected like insulin), if available, and call the doctor. If glucagon is not available, go to the emergency room

High Blood Sugar (hyperglycemia)

• Symptoms: Thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, drowsiness, blurred vision
• What to do:
  1. Exercise if there are no ketones.
  2. Cut down on the amount of food.
  If these recommendations don’t work, notify doctor. It may be necessary to change medication or insulin, or change the timing of medication/insulin.

Diabetic ketoacidosis, caused by lack of insulin

• Symptoms: High blood sugar and abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, extreme drowsiness, rapid breathing, flushed skin, sweet fruity odor to breath
• What to do:
  1. Call doctor immediately or go to emergency room.

Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage that affects feeling in the hands and feet)

• Symptoms: Pain and numbness, tingling sensation in the extremities
• What to do:
  1. Discuss with physician.
  2. Protect the feet from injury and inspect them daily.
  3. Discuss foot care with diabetes educator and/or podiatrist.

Diabetic macular edema (accumulation of fluid in the central part of the retina of the eye)

• Symptoms: Blurred Vision
• What to Do:
  1. Contact physician.
  2. Be sure to schedule a dilated eye exam every year.

Related Conditions

• Circulatory Problems
• Dementia
• Foot Health
• Heart Disease/Stroke
• Oral Health
• Vision

Article provided by Caring Today magazine and www.caringtoday.com