By Kike Oduba, MD MPH
November is Diabetes month. Colorado Black Health Collaborative (CBHC) is stepping up to the plate to share information with our community as part of the American Medical Group Association’s (AMGA’s) Together2goal.org National Day of Action.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that affects how the body processes or control blood sugar levels. It is marked by high blood sugar caused by inadequate insulin production or the inability of the body to utilize insulin.
Quick Facts
- 1 out of 3 people with diabetes do not know they are diabetic.
- The risk of heart disease is double among people with diabetes.
- African Americans are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes.
- African Americans are about 3 times more likely to die from diabetes compared to Whites.
- Diabetes is the most common cause of blindness among working class adults.
- African Americans are 50% more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy compared to non-Hispanic white.
- Limb amputation are more than double among African Americans compared to other races.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1
- Lack or reduced insulin production due to an autoimmune attack on the pancreas.
- Typically has an early onset, also known as juvenile diabetes.
- Requires continuous administration of insulin.
Type 2
- The body is unable to absorb sugar from the blood due to resistance to insulin.
- More common than Type 1, constitutes 90% of all diabetes cases worldwide.
Gestational Diabetes
- High blood sugar detected in pregnancy.
- Usually diagnosed after 24 weeks gestation.
- Affects about 1 in 10 pregnant women.
Causes of Diabetes
- Genetics
- Lack of exercise
- Diet
- Pre-existing health conditions
Risk Factors:
- Family History
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Age 45 or older
- History of gestational diabetes or having a baby weighing over 9 pounds.
Signs and symptoms
- Blurry vision
- Excess thirst or hunger
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Foot ulcers
- Poor wound healing
- Frothy urine
Management and Treatment
First, you need to see a physician and get a general health check up to be sure you do not have other underlying ailments or complications that may be related to diabetes symptoms. Early detection is key to reducing the impact diabetes will have on overall health and how soon complications may arise. Insulin administration, prescription medication and lifestyle changes are the basic treatment protocols taken depending on the type of diabetes and other existing conditions.
Prevention
- Low to moderate sugar intake.
- Weight loss: Losing 10 to 15 pounds can help reduce the risk of diabetes among moderately obese individuals.
- Exercise: 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily .
- Diet: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins is best for preventing diabetes. A DASH diet has been found most effective.
- Continuous check-ups: Early detection is very important to prevent complications from diabetes. Therefore, routine clinical examinations are advised especially among people who are at risk. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about medications.
Prognosis and Quality of Life
Many diabetics are able to lead a normal lifestyle and stay healthy. However, complications from diabetes could be irreversible thereby causing life long impact in a diabetic’s life. For example amputations due to poor wound healing is very common among unmanaged diabetics, which leads to disability and causes a socioeconomic as well as financial impact on the individual. Also, loss of vision due to diabetic retinopathy can lead to permanent blindness that causes disability and lifelong impacts just as mentioned above. So, if you are diabetic make sure to take charge of your lifestyle and work with your doctor, pharmacist and health care team to get your diabetics under great control.
By Kike Oduba, MD MPH