Growing up, we never had sweets in the house. We had Tab soda and our “sweet” tea was sweetened with Equal instead of sugar. That’s because my Dad is a Type 1 diabetic, as was his Dad. Nonetheless, I learned about diabetes at a young age. I have seen first hand what this disease is about and how it can affect every other body system. In fact, I have been known to get on a soap box about it, I’m that passionate about it!
According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed every year with diabetes. Having diabetes predisposes you to a whole host of other diseases. Your chances for a heart attack almost double, it is THE leading cause of Chronic Kidney disease in the US, as well as lower-limb amputations and adult onset blindness.
To me, the statistics and extensiveness of diabetes are astounding and that is why I feel so passionate about it. There is no cure yet, but managing your diabetes can help reduce the risk for complications. Taking responsibility for your self and your own health, being well informed, and proactive is crucial.
Diabetes Basics
The 3 primary types of diabetes that most people are aware of are Type 1, Type 2, and gestational. In a nutshell, in all forms the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes as well as it should.
- Type 1: Thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction that keeps your body from making insulin. Symptoms generally develop quickly and usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults. Family history also is a major risk factor. Insulin must be taken every day to survive.
- Type 2: Insulin is produced but not used well by the body, therefore making it difficult to keep blood sugar levels at a normal range. About 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2. It usually develops over years and is diagnosed in adulthood. Generally Type 2 can be delayed or prevented by healthy lifestyle changes.
- Gestational: Develops in pregnancy in women who have never had diabetes. The hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy cause the body to use insulin less effectively. It usually goes away after pregnancy, but 50% of women will go on to have Type 2.
Recently there are a few other forms of diabetes that are being recognized and diagnosed such as LADA, or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults. This is a slow progressing Type 1 that is diagnosed in adults. MODY, Maturity-onset diabetes of the young, looks like Type 1 or Type 2 and generally diagnosed in early adulthood. Basically it is caused by gene mutations. Insulin resistance is another term getting more attention and is linked to other metabolic syndromes.
Get Informed
Diagnosed with any of the types of diabetes can be so overwhelming. To some, it may be a completely foreign language! Fortunately there is a ton of information, education, and support out there to help be a proactive patient. Check out my Resources page for links to helpful articles and information I’ve found.
Managing diabetes takes a balance of blood glucose control, insulin management, exercise, nutrition, and support. With a new diabetes diagnosis, I believe support is such a crucial part since these lifestyle modifications can be so challenging.
Connecting with other people who have diabetes can also be a great support system. Healthline.com put together a list of best diabetes blogs for 2019, and they range from inspiring and empowering content to recipes and nutrition tips and tricks. I’ve enjoyed browsing T1DLiving.com, probably because of her natural, holistic approach to autoimmune disease, not just diabetes.
Diabetes Self-management Education and Support (or DSMES) is a referral based program that helps people with diabetes take better care of themselves. This service includes a healthcare team that will help anyone learn how to live with and manage their diabetes. The American Association of Diabetes Educators can help find these programs. Most insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid will cover about 10 hours the first year of diagnosis.
Even though there still is no cure, technology and medical advances have come a long way. From new medications, insulin pumps, and even continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. In fact, I’m pretty “pumped” my Dad will be getting a new CGM device soon to go along with the insulin pump he’s had for years. (😁)
And now my soapbox…..
According to the ADA, insulin prices have nearly tripled (!!) since 2002. This is UNACCEPTABLE!! Millions of people rely on insulin daily to survive. Having to choose between buying your prescription and putting food on your table should not be your options! Please join me in signing this petition to stand up for affordable insulin: makeinsulinaffordable.org This could be a matter of life or death for someone you know and love!
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