An Emerging Epidemic
18 million Americans have diabetes. Nearly one-third do not know it! It is important to be informed.

What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which your body does not produce or properly use insulin—a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into needed energy. While the cause of diabetes remains unknown, genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play important roles.

People with diabetes have high levels of blood sugar, also known as glucose. While your body requires glucose for energy, too much glucose is unhealthy. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is also made in your liver and muscles. It is then carried from food into your cells by insulin released from your pancreas. If your body lacks insulin or if the insulin doesn't work properly, glucose remains in your blood rather than being carried to your cells, elevating your glucose level, and causing diabetes.

Know the Signs of Diabetes.
While you may notice no signs at all, many may have one or more of these symptoms:
• ongoing thirst
• frequent urinating
• hunger or fatigue
• unexpected weight loss
• sores that heal slowly
• dry, itchy skin
• numbness or tingling in the feet
• blurry eyesight

What Is Insulin Resistance?
This is a disease characterized by high sugar levels and the body's inability to use and/or
produce insulin. Sometimes the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Other times, the cells throughout the body become resistant to the insulin produced by the pancreas, and it is difficult for sugar to enter the cells. This is known as insulin resistance and is beginning to occur in pre-diabetes.

Treatment and prevention options for pre-diabetes and insulin resistance includes lifestyle changes including diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and daily exercise.

The Risks of Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to serious problems in your eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums and teeth. The most serious risk is heart disease, since diabetics are at increased risk for heart disease or stroke. Both women and men are at risk and diabetes patients may not experience the typical signs of a heart attack.

To reduce your risk of heart disease, control your weight and blood pressure, reduce your blood fat levels, and exercise. If you smoke, take the necessary steps to quit.

Diabetes Affects All Ages.
Type 1 Diabetes - Also known as juvenile
diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes,
type 1 diabetes is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes taking insulin shots or using an insulin pump, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, and possibly taking aspirin daily.

Type 2 Diabetes - This most common form of diabetes can develop at any age. Obesity can also increase the chances of type 2 diabetes. Treatment includes medication, diet, exercise and control of blood pressure and cholesterol.

Gestational Diabetes - Some women may develop gestational diabetes during the late stages of their pregnancy. While this form of diabetes usually goes away after childbirth, women who do have it are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin.

Pre-Diabetes - It is estimated that 41 million Americans have pre-diabetes, with blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

See Your Doctor And Get Tested!
Two tests are commonly used to measure blood sugar. Both tests are necessary to get an accurate reading of your blood sugar levels.

First, you should have your blood glucose level tested as part of your annual physical exam. The glycosylated hemoglobin test (recommended twice annually) is performed by your doctor and measures your blood sugar level.

For those who live with diabetes, the blood sugar test you do yourself before meals and at bedtime is also important. The finger stick method is a relatively simple way to determine if your exercise, diet and medications are working to control your disease.

What Can You Do?
A healthy diet, exercise, and weight loss can help you control your blood glucose level.

Carefully discuss your lifestyle issues, medical concerns, and test results with your doctor. You may need medication to lower your blood sugar levels. Insulin shots may be necessary if your body is failing to produce the required
levels of insulin.

Resources Are Available To Help.
Diabetes Education - For assistance, call 802-885-7670.

Physical Examinations - Your physician will monitor your blood glucose as part of your routine physical examination, annually or perhaps more frequently as needed.

Screenings - Springfield Hospital and our physician office network make blood glucose screenings available on a regular basis. These screenings are simple, require minimal time, and can make an important difference in the quality of your life. Watch for announcements.

Support Group - You are not alone. Living with diabetes requires an ongoing commitment to proper diet and exercise. Support from others who are going through similar lifestyle adjustments and access to professional healthcare advice can help you in your quest to live a healthy lifestyle. For more information, contact Marcia Manner, Diabetes Education Coordinator, at 802-885-7508 or email: mmanner@springfieldmed.org.

Information - The American Diabetes Association website provides information to help you understand diabetes and its risks. Visitwww.diabetes.org for more details.

For more information, please contact:
Barbara Bye, Dietician
802-885-7670 or email: bbye@springfieldmed.org.