Diabetes

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► About Diabetes

► Diabetes Signs and Symptoms

► Types of Diabetes

► Preventing Diabetes

► Managing Diabetes

► Additional Resources

About Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood is above normal. It can occur at any time in your life. If you have family members with diabetes, you may be at risk. If you are overweight or do not exercise regularly, you also run a greater risk of developing diabetes. People with heart disease or who are on certain medications can also have an elevated risk for this disease. Once diabetes is diagnosed, it is managed rather than cured.

According to the American Diabetes Association, complications from diabetes can affect many areas of your body. Diabetes can also increase your risk of other conditions. 

Few people realize that diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults. It can also contribute to gum disease, pregnancy complications and depression. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people with diabetes are twice as likely to have depression, and depression is associated with a 60% increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Complications of diabetes can include:

  • Eye Complications
  • Foot Conditions
  • Heart Disease
  • Hearing Loss
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Mental Health Issues
  • Kidney Disease
  • Neuropathy
  • Skin Complications
  • Stroke

Diabetes Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of type 1 may include:

  • Extreme thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Sudden vision changes
  • Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath
  • Increased appetite
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Drowsiness, lethargy
  • Heavy, labored breathing
  • Stupor, unconsciousness

Symptoms of type 2 may include:

  • Unusual thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Frequent infections
  • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
  • Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
  • Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections

Types of Diabetes

  • Prediabetes

  • Type 1 Diabetes

  • Type 2 Diabetes

  • Childhood Diabetes

  • Gestational Diabetes

According to the National Diabetes Education Program, it is estimated that 79 million adults aged 20 and older have pre-diabetes. Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. Studies have shown that by losing weight and increasing physical activity, people can prevent or delay prediabetes from progressing to diabetes.

Take the first step. Find out if you are at risk for prediabetes using our prediabetes risk assessment. 

For more information about prediabetes, listen to our podcast with Dr. Chrisoula Kiriazis.

We offer a free 1.5-hour online Prediabetes Education Workshop that is open to all who are interested.

Previously known as juvenile diabetes because it was most often diagnosed in children and young adults, type 1 diabetes can strike at any age. Those with a family history of type 1 diabetes are particularly at risk.

This condition occurs when the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Without insulin, the body is unable to take the glucose (blood sugar) from food and absorb it into cells which fuel the body.

With type 1 diabetes, daily injections of insulin are necessary to breakdown the sugar in the blood so that cells can absorb it. Insulin is also needed so that too much glucose does not build up in the blood and damage organs in the body. Consider attending our local classes, which offer an informative overview of how to manage this disease.

The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. In the past, it was mainly diagnosed in middle-aged adults. However, children and young adults are now developing type 2 diabetes due to the increasing incidence of obesity and lack of physical activity in this age group.

This type of diabetes is usually not dependent on insulin injections, as Type 1 Diabetes requires. A person with type 2 diabetes normally makes insulin in the pancreas, but either their body does not produce enough or their body is resistant to the insulin and does not use it properly.

Between diet, exercise and diabetes medications, the body's glucose level can be controlled. A simple blood test will reveal whether or not you have diabetes. Please call your doctor today if you have symptoms and would like to be tested.

One of the most common childhood diseases, childhood diabetes affects 215,000 youngsters in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each year, another 15,600 kids are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and there is a growing number of type 2 diabetes diagnoses.

Children and adolescents diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are generally between 10 and 19 years old, obese, have a strong family history for type 2 diabetes and have insulin resistance.

BayCare offers classes for parents with children diagnosed with diabetes. For children diagnosed with diabetes in the last three months, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation can provide them with an educational, comforting "Bag of Hope."

Approximately 2-5 percent of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that’s acquired during pregnancy. Elevated pregnancy hormones and changes in body weight and composition can cause insulin to be used less efficiently. In most cases, gestational diabetes is a temporary condition, but it can be tricky to diagnose in some women who show fewer symptoms. Signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes can include:

  • Sugar in the urine
  • Unusual thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision
  • Vaginal, bladder and skin infections

Some women can develop diabetes temporarily during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is normally treated with a special diet, but sometimes medications may be needed to keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range. Screening for gestational diabetes is generally done between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy.

There are certain risk factors that can encourage a doctor to screen for it sooner. For instance:

  • Women over age 30
  • Family history of diabetes
  • African American, Hispanic/Latino American or American Indian
  • Obese
  • Women who experienced a stillbirth or gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy will likely be screened earlier in their prenatal care

Check out BayCare HealthChat to learn more information on gestational diabetes. Click here to find an OB/GYN near you.

Preventing Diabetes

An important aspect of diabetes prevention is maintaining a healthy weight and getting plenty of exercise.

Here are 15 ways to help prevent type 2 diabetes:

  1. Lose a small amount of weight.
  2. Reduce portion sizes.
  3. Try to be active for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Choose a place to walk that is safe such as your local mall.
  4. Drink a large glass of water 10 minutes before your meal so you feel less hungry.
  5. Eat slowly. It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to send a signal to your brain that you are full.
  6. Put less on your plate.
  7. Keep meat, chicken, turkey, and fish portions to about 3 ounces (about the size of a deck of cards).
  8. Peel and eat an orange instead of drinking orange juice.
  9. Drink water instead of juice or soda.
  10. If you drink whole milk, try changing to 2% milk. It is less fat than whole milk. Once you get used to 2% milk, try 1% or fat-free (skim) milk.
  11. Share one dessert.
  12. Use teaspoons, salad forks or smaller spoons to help you take smaller bites.
  13. Listen to music while you eat instead of watching TV (people tend to eat more while watching TV).
  14. Make a list of the food you need to buy before you go to the store.
  15. Eat a healthy snack or meal before shopping for food. Do not shop on an empty stomach.

Managing Diabetes

Below are the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists self-care behaviors:

  • Healthy Coping – It's natural to have mixed feelings about your diabetes management and experience highs and lows. The important thing is to recognize these emotions as normal and take steps to reduce the negative impact they can have on your self-care. 
  • Healthy Eating – Having diabetes doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite foods or stop eating in restaurants. In fact, there's nothing you can’t eat! But you need to know how foods you eat affect your glucose levels and then make the right adjustments.
  • Being Active – Being active has many health benefits that impact your diabetes management like lowering cholesterol, improving blood pressure, lowering stress and anxiety, and improving your mood.
  • Taking Medication – Insulin, pills that lower your blood sugar, blood pressure medication, cholesterol-lowering medication, or a number of other medications may work together to lower your blood sugar levels, reduce your risk of complications and help you feel better.
  • Monitoring – Checking your glucose (sugar) levels and other key health factors like blood pressure, kidney and foot health regularly gives you vital information to help you make decisions about your diabetes.
  • Reducing Risks – By understanding the risks that cause negative outcomes and then taking actions to prevent them, you can lower your chance of having diabetes-related complications.
  • Problem Solving – Everyone encounters problems with their diabetes management. You can't plan for every situation you may face, but there are some problem-solving skills that can help you prepare for the unexpected ─ and make a plan for dealing with similar problems in the future.

Living With Diabetes

People who have diabetes may consider this list to support diabetes self-care throughout the year. 

  • Self-Care and Risk Reduction

    • Daily foot check – Use a mirror if you can’t see the bottom of your feet or ask a family member for help. Let your doctor know immediately if you have cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, corns, calluses or other changes to the skin or nails.
    • Diabetes medications – Take the amount prescribed by your doctor, even when you feel ill. Tell your doctor immediately if you have difficulty getting or taking your diabetes medications.
    • Physical activity – Activity may lower blood sugar. At least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity, such as brisk walking or biking is recommended.
    • Healthy eating – Eat healthy foods that give you the nutrition you need. Avoid sweets and all sweetened beverages to help your blood sugar stay in your target range.

  • Glucose Monitoring

    • Ask your doctor for a prescription for glucose monitor or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) device. Begin to check your glucose as directed by your doctor. Keep a record of your data and show this to your health care team at every visit.

Diabetes Care Schedule

Learn how to manage your diabetes at every 3, 6, and 12-month interval.

  • Every 3-4 Months (or as recommended by your doctor)

    • A1C test – If your treatment has changed or if you’re having trouble meeting your blood sugar goals, have this test every 3-4 months.
    • Doctor visit – If you’re having trouble meeting your treatment goals, visit your doctor every 3 months. Your blood pressure and weight will be checked and your self-care plan and medicines will be reviewed.

  • Every 6 Months

    • Dental exam – Get your teeth and gums cleaned at least once a year (more often if your doctor recommends), and let your dentist know that you have diabetes.
    • A1C test – If you’re meeting your treatment and blood sugar goals, have this test every 6 months.
    • Doctor visit – If you’re meeting your treatment goals, visit your doctor every 6 months. Your blood pressure and weight will be checked and your self-care plan and medicines will be reviewed. Ask your doctor to check your feet at the session or if you have a foot problem.

  • Every 12 Months

    • Flu shot – Flu vaccination is especially important for people with diabetes because they are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications.
    • Kidney tests – Your doctor will order tests to monitor your kidneys for damage/disease. Ask your doctor to tell you about the results each year.
    • Cholesterol test – Your doctor will order a lipid panel that includes low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol, triglycerides
    • and total cholesterol.
    • Dilated eye exam – Your ophthalmologist or optometrist will provide this exam. You may need this exam more often if you have diabetes-related eye problems.
    • Complete foot check – Your doctor may need to do this foot check more often if you have ever had diabetes-related foot problems.
    • Vaccine evaluation – Ask your doctor. You may benefit from a pneumonia, shingles or other vaccines depending on your age or date of last dose.
    • Hearing check – Ask your doctor. If you notice any hearing loss you will be referred to an audiologist, a licensed hearing aid dispenser or a doctor who specializes in hearing problems.

Specialized Diabetes Equipment

Your physician may prescribe special equipment to manage your diabetes. Many of the latest technologies and supplies are conveniently available through our home care services, including:

  • Glucometers - a portable tool to measure and monitor blood sugar levels (glucose levels), letting people with diabetes know whether their glucose level is higher than desired, lower than expected, or within an acceptable range.
  • Glucose sensors - continuous glucose sensing systems have a sensor that is placed underneath the skin to measure the glucose found in the fluid between cells, a small transmitter worn on the body that connects to the sensor, and a hand-held cell-phone-sized receiver that displays the current glucose levels and trends.
  • Insulin pumps - these pumps deliver fast-acting insulin throughout the day via a catheter, replacing the need for periodic injections.

To purchase these supplies, contact BayCare HomeCare Medical Supplies at (727) 535-8362.

Additional Resources

Talk to your physician about getting a Referral to our diabetes education program or for more information call us at: 

Additional information on type 1 diabetes:

Additional information on type 2 diabetes:

Additional information on childhood diabetes:

If you have questions about everyday diabetes care, ask your doctor about a referral for BayCare diabetes education and management where the sessions are covered by insurance.