Trista Holder

HLTH 1020
Professor Jean Widdison
November 7, 2016
Diabetes

1. What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which the bodys ability to produce or respond to insulin is impaired,
which results in an elevated amount of glucose in the blood. If you have diabetes, no matter
what type, it means you have too much glucose in your blood, although the causes may differ.
(Mayo Clinic, 2014) Glucose is vital to ones health because it is an important source of energy
for the muscle and tissue cells, as well as the main source of fuel for the brain. There are many
different forms of diabetes in including type 1, type 2, and gestational. Each have a different
cause, but all may lead to serious health problems if not treated.

2. Difference Between Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association there are 3 different forms of diabetes. Type
1, type 2 and Gestational. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children; with this type of
diabetes the body does not produce insulin. The sugars and starches that are consumed are

broken down and converted into glucose which is used for energy. Without insulin the body is
unable to get the glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body, which in turn leads to
higher glucose levels in the blood.

The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes this means
that your body is able to produce insulin, but is unable to use insulin properly. The American
Diabetes Association describes this form of diabetes by explaining At first, your pancreas
makes extra insulin to make up for [ineffective insulin usage]. But, over time it isnt able to keep
up and cant make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels. (ADA, 2015)

Gestational diabetes is a potentially reversible form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy
but may resolve after the baby is delivered. Hormones released during pregnancy can block the
action of the mothers insulin in the body. This makes it difficult for the body to use insulin
properly. Without enough insulin, glucose cannot leave the blood and be converted into energy,
which in turn builds up in the blood to cause abnormal levels. Gestational is similar to type 2
diabetes, but is usually reversed after the baby is born.

3. Symptoms and Complications

There are many typical symptoms of diabetes, many of them could be mild and go unnoticed,
but early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing complications.

According to the Mayo Clinic excessive thirst/hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision,
slow healing sores, and frequent skin infections are some common symptoms of diabetes. Weight
loss and numbness in the hands and feet can be some other symptoms of diabetes. It is important
to be aware of your body in order to catch these symptoms early on.

Diabetes can increase your risk for certain health problems. Diabetes can result in skin
complications, including bacterial infections, fungal infections, itching, and diabetic blisters. It
can also cause complications with the eye such as cataracts, and glaucoma. It is also common for
those who have had the disease for a number of years to develop neuropathy, otherwise known as
nerve damage. You can also develop kidney disease, high blood pressure, and also increase the
risk of a stroke. It is important to manage ones diabetes to help lower the risk of these serious
health complications.

4. Prevention

Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. However, some healthy lifestyle choices can help
prevent type 2 and gestational diabetes. The Mayo Clinic staff suggests eating healthy foods high
in fiber and low in fat and calories. Focusing on fruits, vegetables, and whole grain. Physical
activity is another great way to possibly prevent diabetes. Losing excess weight is another way to
help reduce the risk of diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight range by focusing on eating and

exercising habits is a perfect way to not only reduce ones risk of diabetes but also the many
other health benefits of losing weight.

5. Treatment Options

The major goal of diabetes treatments is to control the amount of glucose in the blood. Type
1 diabetes is usually managed with insulin as well as dietary changes. Insulin can be delivered
into the body through syringes, pre-filled pens, or insulin pumps. Type 2 diabetes may be
managed with insulin, weight reduction, dietary changes, or non-insulin medications. The first
step in type 2 diabetes treatment is weight reduction, diet and exercise. If this is ineffective then
medication may be needed.

6. Effects of Physical Activity on Diabetes

Exercise can lower glucose levels in the blood. During exercise, the insulin sensitivity is
increased, so cells are able to use available insulin to take up glucose after activity. Having an
active lifestyle can help your blood sugar stay in your target range. Although it is healthy to
have an active lifestyle, it is important to track your blood glucose levels during exercise to
prevent dropping too low. Taking care of your body is very important when living with diabetes,
and just like everyone else there are many health benefits that come a long with an active and
healthy lifestyle.

7. Diets Role in Diabetes

Once diagnosed, it is important to adhere to a diabetic diet to control blood sugar in people
with diabetes. There are many things that need to be taken into consideration when planning a
proper diet. Insuring that the meal is balanced and nutritious is crucial. Timing is also key when
eating, it is important to plan meal times to coordinate with insulin administration. It is also
important to try and make foods low in fat, cholesterol, and simple sugars.

The American Diabetes Association says There is no one perfect food so including a variety
of different foods and watching portion sized is key to a healthy diet. They also suggest to make
sure your food choices from each food group are rich in vitamins and minerals. Having diabetes
does not mean that you cannot eat the same foods everyone else enjoys. It may take some
planning, but you can fit your favorite foods and still manage your glucose levels.

8. Weight and Diabetes

Weight can play a major role in preventing and managing diabetes. According to The Obesity
Society, 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Obesity can have an effect
on the bodys ability to use insulin to properly control blood sugar levels, and therefore have an
increased risk of diabetes. The Obesity Society says, the single best predictor of type 2diabetes
is overweight or obesity. Weight loss can play a major factor in the development of diabetes. If

you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, weight management can still have a positive
influence on your overall blood sugar.

9. Genetics of Diabetes

It can be difficult to separate lifestyle risk from genetic risk. Scientists have linked several
gene mutations to higher diabetes risk. Many people with diabetes have one or more of these
mutations, however not everyone who has these mutations will develop diabetes. Just like these
genes run in families, lifestyle choices tent to run in families also. Because of this, it is difficult
to distinguish environmental influences and genetic influences.

This being said, there have been many studies that have shown that diabetes may be
influenced genetically. Type 1 diabetes is one of the most widespread disease of childhood. Type
1 diabetes is strongly clustered in families. On the other hand, the genetic basis for type 2
diabetes has been difficult to resolve.

10. Conclusion

Ultimately better nutrition, increased physical activity and control of blood glucose levels
can delay the progression of diabetes and help prevent the complications associated with the
disease. (TOS, 2015) The best thing that you can do if you have been diagnosed with diabetes

is to maintain a healthy lifestyle by managing your died, activity, and weight. Monitoring your
glucose levels and tracking your overall health is the most important part of managing diabetes.

Bibliography

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/basics/definition/con-20033091

http://www.medicinenet.com/diabetes_treatment/article.htm

http://www.obesity.org/content/weight-diabetes

http://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/genetics#TheGenes3

http://jasn.asnjournals.org/content/17/2/353.full