Diabetes: A Disease That Affects All of Us
By Pravin Chapla M.D.
Diabetes is a worldwide disease that is not confined to a specific geographic location or a group of people. It is a disease that is affecting a growing number of people of all ages. In 1998, approximately 16 million individuals in the United States met the diagnostic criteria for diabetes, with nearly 800,000 more individuals developing the disease annually.
In learning more about diabetes people must be aware that there are two types of diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all diabetes and is a disease in which the body does not produce any insulin. This is usually the disease found in children. Daily insulin injections are necessary for people with Type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 is a metabolic disease that occurs when the body has difficulty producing the proper levels of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy. This form of the disease is almost an epidemic affecting a growing number of older Americans and those individuals who are obese and sedentary.
The cause of diabetes is attributed to genetics and other factors such as obesity and lack of exercise, but its true origin is unknown. Over time, the disease can cause various health complications. It can cause high blood sugar levels, which can negatively impact your vision, nerves, kidneys, heart and blood vessels. It can result in blindness, kidney failure and foot and toe amputations.
A couple of weeks ago the Jersey Shore Hospital conducted a diabetes symposium in recognition of American Diabetes Month. During the program, I presented several precautions, individuals could follow to lead a healthier life and keep their diabetes in check.
- Monitor blood sugar levels regularly.
- Exercise regularly. There is evidence that regular exercise and physical fitness are associated with decreased cardiovascular disease. The benefits of exercise include improved functioning of the cardiovascular system, decreased risk of coronary artery disease, increased insulin sensitivity and reduced hyperinsulinemia.
- Eat right. Proper nutrition is key to managing diabetes successfully. By eating the proper food to attain the blood glucose level goal by balancing food with insulin and activity to attain an optimal level of fats. Type 1 diabetes needs nutritional intake with injected insulin and activity to achieve desired blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes requires moderate caloric restriction to achieve weight loss.
- Control your blood pressure and lower your blood cholesterol if it is over 200mg/dL.
- Don't smoke.
Treating the disease with medicine also requires special care. Those suffering from Type 1 diabetes should be taking insulin. Most of the medicine prescribed is for Type 2 diabetes. There are numerous medicines available which stimulate the pancreas and increase the insulin secretion. Some of these drug are Glucotrol, Amaryl, Micronase, Diabeta. Also, there are medications available to inhibit glucose secretion from the liver. These include Glucophage. Before taking any medications, individuals should seek the sound advice of their family doctor.
Pravin Chapla M.D. is an active member of the medical staffs at both the Jersey Shore Hospital and Lock Haven Hospital. He is a board certified internist who has been practicing internal medicine in the Jersey Shore area since 1997. Dr. Chapla completed his residency at the Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, New Jersey in 1997. Dr. Chapla is a member of the Lycoming Medical Society and American Medical Society. His office is located at the Lycoming Internal Medicine, Inc., Medical Office Building, Suite B2, 116 Kerr Avenue, Jersey Shore. He resides in Jersey Shore with his wife and two children.
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