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America’s Youth: Old Before Their Time
Several Facts About Diabetes and You
By Charles H. Brinegar, M.D.
Fact: Diabetes Mellitus is on the rise
More than ever
Diabetes is striking the youth of America and young people around the world. A form of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) called type 2, which at one time was thought to be limited to adults over age 40, has now become the most
common form of DM in our young people below the age of 20. And what is the reason for this shift?
Fact: Obesity is the #1 contributor to premature aging and diabetes in our youth
The increased consumption of fast
foods, fat and sweet foods, and a less physically active lifestyle than in generations past, is taking its toll. The frequenting of fast food factories and leisure hours spent watching television and playing video
games is resulting in more lives burdened with disease and early death. This lifestyle begins early, often before age 5 and persists into adulthood. In developing countries, the cause of the explosion of type 2
diabetes is commonly referred to as "Westernization" or "McDonaldization". DM has always been a disease of aging but now the aging process has begun much earlier.
Fact: Undetected and uncontrolled, DM accelerates aging
The
major way DM, undetected and uncontrolled, accelerates aging is contributing to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) although all parts of the body, all organ systems, are affected by this process. The most
obvious outcomes are in the increase of coronary artery disease (heart attacks) and cerebralvascular disease (strokes).
Are you at risk for Diabetes Mellitus?
There are certain
conditions which increase ones risk for developing type 2 DM. Do you have a family history of diabetes, heart disease or strokes? Are you of any of the following ethnic backgrounds? Native American, Hispanic,
Pacific Islander, Black, or Cuban? Are you obese (20% over ideal weight for your age, height, and build)? Do you live a sedentary life style? Do you smoke? The more of these risk factors you have, the greater the
chance of your developing DM.
Fact: Most individuals diagnosed with DM are without symptoms
The so-called classic symptoms of diabetes -- increased urination, increased thirst and increased hunger -- are unusual in the early stages of DM. By
the time these overt symptoms appear DM has been negatively effecting all organ systems for five to twelve years.
Fact: Early Detection is the best solution to curbing the devastating effects of DM
The increase in type 2 DM
is not limited to our young people but is increasing in all age groups; numbers increase in people over age 65, people who have suffered early heart disease (before age 50 in men and age 60 in women); and those with
abnormal blood fats, elevated blood pressure or gout. Therefore, early detection is essential! --especially if you have one or several of the above risk factors.
Fact: One-third to one-half of those with DM are unaware they have the condition
Fact: Diabetes Mellitus can only be detected by testing
Often, a simple blood test will produce quick results. The more risk factors you have would determine a greater frequency of testing.
Even if you are free of risk factors you should have a blood glucose test at a minimum of every 5 years.
Fact: The diagnosis of DM is based upon the measurement of abnormal blood sugar (glucose) These are the numbers you should know:
If your fasting glucose (no food or drink other than water for 8 hrs. or more) is 126 mg/dl or more on two
occasions you have diabetes. If your fasting blood glucose is between 110-125 mg/dl you have impaired fasting glucose, a preface to
diabetes, and you will be required to have an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), a blood test done after you have drunk 75 grams of a special glucose solution. If your blood glucose is 200 mg/dl or more you
have diabetes. In addition, some “preventionists” believe that if your fasting glucose is >95 mg/dl and you have 3 or
more risk factors, you should undergo an OGTT because of the increased risk of developing DM.
Fact: The most important aspect of treatment is Education once the diagnosis of diabetes is made
Education should always be done by trained diabetes educators.
The content of the education program will include a diabetic meal plan, a
personalized exercise program and all other self-management skills. Many patients will need medication for control of their blood sugars but if the diagnosis is made early enough in the course of the disease a
proper diet and exercise program will be all that is necessary for controlling blood glucose.
Fact: Prevention of type 2 diabetes is possible
Because DM is genetically determined, the possibility of the disease
manifesting itself exists. However, by determining your risk factors for diabetes and then modifying them as much as possible by lifestyle changes (such as a meal plan that will allow you to achieve ideal weight)
and by an exercise program (that will reduce insulin resistance and assist in weight loss), you may avoid acquiring DM. In addition, several ongoing research studies dealing with the prevention of type 2 diabetes
indicate that certain medications may be helpful for prevention in addition to lifestyle changes.
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month !
More information about diabetes can be obtained by visiting the American Diabetes Association web site at www.diabetes.org where you will find many links to other informative sites.
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