Published: April 08, 2008 05:00 pm      

GUEST VIEW: Protect yourself from Diabetes Mellitus starting now

Our population is under attack. About 20 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus, the fifth-leading cause of death in this country. If left untreated or treated improperly, Diabetes Mellitus can lead to numerous complications such as neuropathies, blindness, renal failure, cardiovascular problems and leg amputations.

An overview Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by increased levels of glucose in the blood resulting from defects in the insulin secretion, insulin action or both.

There are two types of Diabetes Mellitus: Type 1 is an autoimmune process where patients produce little or no insulin and therefore are insulin dependent for life due to genetics or environmental factors. Whereas patients with type 2 have a decreased ability to use what insulin they produce (insulin resistance). A big difference between the two types is that type 2 diabetes is preventable, while type 1 is unpreventable. With knowledge of predisposing risk factors and proper lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, you can prevent type 2 diabetes.

Predisposing factors, signs and symptoms

The first step in awareness is realizing the predisposing factors which include high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, heredity, and sedentary lifestyle. If you have one or a few of these, look for the common symptoms of diabetes. Some of the more common symptoms include increased blood sugar levels, frequent urination, excessive thirst, and excessive hunger. These are also accompanied with blurred vision, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, dry mouth and also “fruity” smelling breath. Noticing these signs and symptoms early, and seeking immediate health care, will help to prevent serious complications, and will make it easier to manage your diabetes.

Managing type 2 diabetes

Incorporating healthy eating habits and daily exercise concurrently is the key to managing type 2 diabetes. Dietary changes that should be made include the following: Preparing healthier meals with reducing and keeping track of daily calories, increasing fiber, reducing fat intake, decreasing processed sugars in diet such as cookies, desserts, jams, juices from concentrate, soda, and honey and portion control according to serving size. Exercise also needs to be factored in along with dietary changes. There needs to be at least 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, which is about 20 minutes a day. This can include brisk walking, swimming or bicycle riding. With diet and exercise, one should try to reduce body weight by 7 percent at a rate of 1-2 lbs a week. By incorporating these changes, it can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 58 percent.

In Western New York, type 2 diabetes has become an epidemic. Early detection is the most important part of prevention of this disease. If you have any questions or concerns, refer to the American Diabetes Association in Erie County at 315 Alberta Dr., Suite 102, Amherst, NY 14226 (716) 835-0274 or the Diabetes Self-Management Education Program at Mount St. Mary’s & Health Center in Niagara County at 5300 Military Rd. Lewiston, NY 14092 (716) 298-2297.

Chad Israel, Jessica Farr, Megan Metzger, Lisa Batt and Sarah Schnegenburger are Niagara County Community College nursing students.