Press Release
DIABETES AWARENESS
November is Diabetes Awareness month and at Beverly Hospital, we
strive to educate the community and provide comprehensive services
to our patients to diagnose and treat diabetes. Currently there are
25.8 million children and adults in the United States, roughly 8.3%
of the population-living with diabetes. Of that number only 18.8
million people are actually diagnosed, which means 7.0 million
people are undiagnosed. Also, there are currently 79 million people
that have pre-diabetes.
What are the different types of
diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is usually diagnosed in children or young
adults; however it can develop at any age. This is when your body
does not produce a hormone called insulin. Insulin therapy is
essential for this population for reminder of life.
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. You can see
this develop at any age and it is when the body does not produce
enough insulin or does not use it properly. One of the most common
factors is due to weight gain, especially in the waist area.
Gestational Diabetes can develop while someone is pregnant and
is usually tested around the 24th week of gestation. It
is typically managed through meal planning, blood glucose
monitoring and at times medications. In most instances
after delivery, gestational diabetes subsides and treatment is no
longer needed.
What are the symptoms of
diabetes?
People with Type 1 diabetes may experience any of the following
at the time of diagnosis: increased thirst, increased urination,
excessive fatigue, unexplained weight loss and extreme hunger.
People with Type 2 diabetes may experience any of the symptoms
listed above as well as increased infections, slow healing of
wounds, blurred vision, tingling/numbness of hands or feet,
reoccurring skin, bladder or gum infections. One very important
thing to realize is that many people with Type 2 diabetes do not
experience any signs or symptoms. A simple blood test during a
routine physical can detect the risk of diabetes.
Who is at Risk?
Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos,
Native Americans, and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other
Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.
Does exercise really help with managing my
diabetes control?
Yes, it is really important to consider exercise as one of your
medications to help control your diabetes. For people with Type 2
diabetes exercise allows your body to use your insulin much more
efficiently and can reduce the amount of medication needed for your
diabetes control. People with Type 1 diabetes will often see lower
blood sugars as well and help with being able to take less
insulin.
Physical activity helps lower your blood glucose, your blood
pressure, and your cholesterol. It helps reduce the risk for heart
disease and stroke along with strengthen your muscles, heart and
bones. It is also a great stress reliever.
Does having diabetes mean I will never be able to
have sweets or my favorite foods again?
No, people living with diabetes can eat the same foods as
someone without. However, it is important to eat a well-balanced
meal and it is important to work with a Registered Dietitian on
eating the right types and right amounts of food.
Does this mean I can never eat carbohydrates
again?
Carbohydrate is the main energy source for the body. It is a
matter of which ones you chose and the portion size. Please discuss
this further with a Registered Dietitian.
Is diabetes that serious?
Diabetes causes more deaths each year then AIDS and breast
cancer combined. Two out of three people with diabetes will die
from heart disease or stroke. You are at a higher risk for eye
complications, nerve complications, kidney complications, skin
complications, gum disease and even depression. Keeping your blood
sugars in control can significantly reduce your risks in developing
these complications. It is also especially important to keep
your blood pressure and lipids normal.
If you have diabetes, you are at least twice as likely as
someone who does not have diabetes to have heart disease or a
stroke. Why? High blood glucose levels over time can lead to
increased deposits of fatty materials on the insides of the blood
vessel walls. These deposits may affect blood flow, increasing the
chance of clogging and hardening of blood vessels
(atherosclerosis). People are at risk for heart disease and
stroke when the blood flow to the heart and brain are
affected.
The Diabetes Care Center at Beverly Hospital at Danvers Medical
and Day Surgery Center Danvers offers comprehensive services, group
classes and support to manage your diabetes and improve the quality
of your life. Our interdisciplinary team of professionals includes
certified diabetes educators, registered nurses, registered
dietitians, behavioral health specialists and clinical exercise
physiologists. We also offer Diabetes Care services at Addison
Gilbert Hospital as well.
Kelly Reilly, BSN, RN, CDE
Diabetes Nurse Educator
Beverly Hospital at Danvers
Michael Gordon, MD, F.A.C.E.
Department of Endocrinology
Beverly Hospital at Danvers
Zhao Liu, MD, Nutrition Specialist
Department of Endocrinology
Beverly Hospital at Danvers
