American Association Diabetes - What to Expect When You Have Diabetes: 170 Tips for Living Well with Diabetes

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While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The suggestions and information contained in this publication are generally consistent with the Clinical Practice Recommendations and other policies of the American Diabetes Association, but they do not represent the policy or position of the Association or any of their boards or committees. Reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information presented. However, the American Diabetes Association and Good Books cannot ensure the safety or efficacy of any product or service described in this publication, and their inclusion in this publication does not represent an endorsement by either organization. The content in this book is not intended to be medical advice.

Individuals are strongly advised to always consult a physician or other appropriate health-care professional before undertaking any diet or exercise program or taking any medication referred to in this publication. Professionals must use and apply their own professional judgment, experience, training, and their knowledge of your specific health needs and should not rely solely on the information contained in this publication before prescribing any diet, exercise, or medication. The American Diabetes Association and Good Bookstheir officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and membersassume no responsibility or liability for personal or other injury, loss, or damage that may result from the suggestions or information in this publication.

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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU HAVE DIABETES

Copyright 2008 by Good Books, Intercourse, PA 17534

978-1-4532-9064-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner, except for
brief quotations in critical articles or reviews, without permission.

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We are in the midst of a world-wide epidemic. Diabetes currently affects more than 280 million adults and children around the globe and nearly 21 million in the United States alone. The epidemic is increasing at an alarming rate. Researchers have estimated that the number of people with the disease will double by 2030. Whether you have diabetes yourself or whether you are a caregiver to someone who does, this book will help you understand what diabetes is and how to cope with its many challenges. Written in a clear, easy-to-read question-and-answer format, this book puts a wealth of diabetes information at your fingertips.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how a person produces and responds to insulin. Insulin is the chemical key that unlocks your bodys cells, allowing sugars to enter and provide energy. If cells become resistant to insulin or if we dont make enough insulin, our bodies simply will not work properly. People with diabetes typically have no symptoms unless their blood sugar level is at least twice normal, and then the symptoms can be fairly subtle and common even in people without diabetesfatigue, irritability, getting up at night to urinate. If left unchecked, elevated blood sugar can cause peripheral artery disease, nerve damage in legs and feet, degenerating eyesight, kidney failure, and heart disease. Therefore, diabetes is a disease that has to be sought out and treated to avoid complications. Waiting for symptoms can be too late to prevent disability.

There are three main types of diabetes. Type 1 occurs when the body attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Generally affecting young people, type 1 diabetes requires a person to use insulin daily in order to control his or her blood-sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes develops more gradually and typically affects people later in life. It is the most common form of the disease. It starts when the body becomes more resistant to insulin, reducing its ability to regulate blood sugar. Over time, this leads to an increase in blood-sugar levels that, if ignored, can lead to major health problems.

This book is weighted heavily toward people with type 2 diabetes, primarily because 95% of the people who have diabetes have this type. Type 1 is much more rare, but except for a few instances, most of the treatment and lifestyle suggestions are helpful for both.

Gestational diabetes is another type that affects roughly 4% of all pregnant women. Gestational diabetes tends to go away after the pregnancy, but it can increase your risk of getting diabetes later in life.

If you have diabetes, what should you do? Awareness is the best defense, and offense. Talk to your doctor, nurse, and diabetes educator. They will help you learn more about how to control your blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipids, and teach you preventive care for your eyes, kidneys, and feet by maintaining a healthier lifestyle through proper diet and increased activity.

And finally, if theres one message I would like to give to all the readers of this book, it is Take care of yourself. Learn as much as you can about diabetes. Know why you feel the way you do and what to expect. Learn how to recognize changes. Try new recipes. Walk more. Live life to its fullest by making healthy choices. And dont be shy about asking questions and being an active partner in your health-care team. It's your diabetes and your life. And the ADA is here to help you.

John Buse, MD, PhD

(President, Medicine & Science, American Diabetes Association)

No. Diabetes was identified 2,000 years ago by Aretaeus of Cappadocia, the Greek physician. However, very little progress was made in understanding or treating the disease until 1869 when Paul Langerhans described small islands (islets) in the pancreas. However, he did not know their function in regulating blood-sugar levels. In 1889, German scientist Oskar Minkowski discovered a critical link between the pancreas and diabetes when he removed a dogs pancreas and observed that it caused the dog to urinate frequently. He also found sugar in the dogs urine.

In 1909, the Belgian scientist Jean de Meyer used the term insulin to describe a hypothetical substance in the pancreas that controls blood sugar, even though insulin had not yet been discovered. Finally in 1921, after a series of experiments, J.J.R. Macleod, Charles Best, Frederick Banting, and James Collip succeeded in purifying insulin and successfully treating a diabetes patient with it. This discovery saved many people from dying in a coma due to high blood sugars. Although diabetes has been around a long time, we still need new and better therapies.