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Home » Diet » Control diet, weight in diabetes fight – Appleton Post Crescent

Patterns for diabetes often follow patterns for obesity.(Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Diabetes is a common medical condition affecting around 29 million Americans or about 1 in 11 adults. Diabetes is a metabolic condition manifested by elevated levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood stream. Diabetes is generally divided into type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 typically occurs in children or adolescents and can cause acute life threatening illness, and only about 5 percent of diabetics are type 1. Type 1 diabetics require insulin to survive.

Type 2 diabetes typically arises in adults and can be treated with diet and oral medications, but sometimes requires insulin. Type 2 diabetes tends to be linked to obesity, but not in every case.Recently, I wrote about the obesity epidemic in the U.S. I reported some CDC statistics that indicated the obesity rates are rapidly rising. Specifically, the data showed that no state had an obesity rate over 15 percent in 1985 and by 2016 no state had an obesity rate less than 20 percent. The overall obesity rate is about 33 percent. It is amazing to see how the U.S. diabetes rates are following the same patterns, but lagging behind by several years. In other words, as obesity rates increase in certain states, diabetes rates increase in a very similar pattern.

Currently, diabetes is diagnosed in an individual with fasting blood glucose of 126 or more. Some providers require two separate tests to confirm the diagnosis. People often refer to prediabetes when the blood glucose fasting is between 100 and 126. Prediabetics have a higher tendency to develop diabetes at a later time. Gestational diabetes refers to women who have elevated blood glucose during pregnancy. These individuals also have a tendency toward developing diabetes later in life.

The main symptoms of diabetes are thirst and frequent urination. However, in the early stages, there may not be symptoms. So, efforts are made to catch diabetes early and to try to prevent it. It is not uncommon to have screening done through Health Risk Assessments or regular office visits. People with risk factors such, as elevated blood pressure or elevated cholesterol, are advised to be screened.

Diabetes affects a number of systems. It is the No. 1 cause of kidney failure. In addition to the kidneys, diabetes affects the eyes, nerves (causing neuropathy), digestion, blood vessels and the immune system. Cardiovascular disease is a result of blood vessel disease and is the leading cause of death in diabetics. Immune system dysfunction makes diabetics more prone to infections making immunizations a priority. Much of the diabetic care is focused on controlling the blood glucose levels and reducing the other risk factors including high blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking. Blood glucose control reduces tissue damage and complications.

Glucose control is generally monitored through a blood test referred to as the glycohemoglobin or A1c. This test measures glucose that is attached to the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Red blood cells recycle about every two months so this measurement gives an indication of the average blood glucose over a two-month time period and is used to monitor treatment plans.

The best way to prevent diabetes and help control it is to be active and control diet and weight. It is advised to do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. Diet changes include avoiding simple sugars in food and drink, avoiding fatty foods and controlling portions to control weight all help.

Like obesity, diabetes is becoming more prevalent at a rapid pace. Diabetes management presents many challenges for patients and health-care providers. The best way to try to avoid diabetes is through diet, exercise and weight control. Stay healthy my friends.

Dr. Michael Shattuck is a family practice physician at ThedaCare Physicians-Wautoma.

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Control diet, weight in diabetes fight - Appleton Post Crescent

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Home » Diet » Control diet, weight in diabetes fight – Appleton Post Crescent