Miller County Newsletters
Haley's Comment
Diabetes Is on the Rise in America
October 10, 2007
Diabetes, chances are you know someone who has been diagnosed as a diabetic.
In fact, diabetes is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of death and
disability in Arkansas.
The prevalence of diabetes in Arkansas has been at or above the national
average for the past 10 years. It is the sixth leading cause of death in
Arkansas and the fourth leading cause of death among African Americans.
Diabetes, however, is likely to be underreported as the underlying cause of
death on death certificates. About 65 percent of deaths among those with
diabetes are attributed to heart disease and stroke.
Doctors don't know why some people get diabetes and others do not. Living
with diabetes means living with complications that may cause an early death.
Diabetes increases the risk of a heart attack, stroke, blindness, amputations,
kidney failure, nerve damage and gum disease.
Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism (the way our bodies use digested food
for growth and energy). Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose,
which is the form of sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of fuel for
the body.
After digestion, glucose passes into the bloodstream, where it is used by
cells for growth and energy. For glucose to get into cells, insulin must be
present. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a large gland behind the
stomach.
When we eat, the pancreas automatically produces the right amount of insulin
to move glucose from blood into our cells. In people with diabetes, however, the
pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the cells do not respond
appropriately to the insulin that is produced. Glucose builds up in the blood,
overflows into the urine, and passes out of the body. Thus, the body loses its
main source of fuel even though the blood contains large amounts of glucose.
If your pancreas does not make any insulin, it is called Type I diabetes.
Type II diabetes occurs when the body cannot make enough-or cannot properly use
insulin. Normally, the body's natural control system releases just the right
amount of insulin. In diabetics, the control system no longer works the way it
should.
Could it be that you are diabetic, but haven’t been diagnosed? The signs of
diabetes may develop slowly in some people. Others may not show any signs at
all. Signs to look for include; increased and frequent urination, increased
thirst, weight loss along with increased hunger, blurred vision, weakness and
feeling tired and skin infections.
The only sure way to detect diabetes is to have a blood test. Make an
appointment with your doctor or a clinic. Fast (no food or beverages) for 12
hours before testing to make sure you get good test results.
If you are diabetic, your doctor will tell you. Most people have one or more
signs. See a doctor to be sure.
If you do not have diabetes, you can do a lot to lower your chances.
Exercising regularly, reducing fat and calorie intake, and losing a little
weight can help you reduce your risk of developing Type II diabetes. Lowering
blood pressure and cholesterol levels also helps you stay healthy.
What you eat has a big impact on your health. By making wise food choices,
you can help control your body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol.
Take a look at the serving sizes of the foods you eat. Reduce serving sizes
of main courses such as meat, desserts and foods high in fat. Increase the
amount of fruits and vegetables.
Limit your fat intake to about 25 percent of your total calories. For
example, if your food choices add up to about 2,000 calories a day, try to eat
no more than 56 grams of fat. Your doctor or a dietitian can help you figure out
how much fat to have. You can also check food labels for fat content.
Limit your sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg - about 1 teaspoon of salt - each
day.
Talk with your doctor about whether you may drink alcoholic beverages. If you
choose to drink alcoholic beverages, limit your intake to one drink - for women
- or
two drinks - for men - per day.
Keep a food and exercise log. Write down what you eat, how much you
exercise - anything that keeps you on track. When you meet your goal, reward
yourself with a nonfood item or activity, like watching a movie.
If you are interested in learning more about diabetes, or managing it once
you have it, call our office to reserve your spot at our diabetic workshop. I
may be reached at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in
Miller County, 400 Laurel Suite 215 in Texarkana, call 870-779-3609, or e-mail
me at chaley@uaex.edu.
You can also find research based information at our website:
http://www.arfamilies.org/health_nutrition/medicine_cabinet/.
We appreciate your feedback!
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