Just So Ya Know

This Thursday morning I woke up and thought, "How can I educate people about diabetes today?"  Then while on facebook, I read the following:

According to a nationwide survey, nearly eighty percent of Americans don’t know the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Half of America doesn’t even know that two forms of diabetes exist. Almost seventy percent believe that type 1 can be cured by diet, exercise, or medication, which, alas, is not the case.

Just in case you’re one of the eighty percent who doesn’t know the difference between the two types of diabetes, here’s the rundown:

Type 1 is an autoimmune disease in which the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are destroyed by the immune system, causing a complete lack of insulin that is treated by taking insulin via shots or an insulin pump.

Type 2 is a disease of insulin resistance, associated with a family history of the condition and with obesity, in which the pancreas produces insulin but the body cannot use it properly. Type 2 can be treated with diet, exercise, and oral medications.

There is NO CURE for either disease.

*source:  JDRF Facebook page

I don't know if people are just ignorant or frankly, selfish.  As I've admitted in the past, my world revolved pretty much around my Type 2 adventure and I did not know a thing about Type 1 until I joined the Diabetic Online Community.  So imagine a person who does not have diabetes at all.  It could be that they just really don't care to know the differences between Type 1 and Type 2.  Within the DOC, the differences do matter.  We have very different ways of managing the diabetes beast we've been given. 

I count my blessings every single day because I do not have to take insulin!  I do have to test.  Both Type 1's and type 2's have to check their levels by doing a finger stick (happy happy joy joy!!!) - for a girl, these callouses on the tips of my fingers are a little annoying.  I tell people I got them from so much piano playing.  That seems to satisfy the curiosity they have about it.

Now, DOC - correct me if I'm wrong - but I think the symptoms for Type 1 and Type 2 are basically the same, are they not?  I want to tell it like it is.  The symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes may include:

Increased thirst and frequent urination

Extreme hunger

Weight loss

Fatigue

Blurred vision

Generally, Type 1 Diabetics are diagnosed at a young age, however, I have read about instances when that is not necessarily true.  There are some instances when an adult is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes!  There is a special test to determine whether the person has Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.  This is not the same test as the one known as a HbA1c.  The HbA1c is just a test conducted to determine what your average blood glucose has been in the past 3 months.  It can not determine which Type of Diabetes you have! 

The symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes may include:

Increased thirst and frequent urination. Excess sugar building up in your bloodstream causes fluid to be pulled from the tissues. This may leave you thirsty. As a result, you may drink — and urinate — more than usual.

Increased hunger. Without enough insulin to move sugar into your cells, your muscles and organs become depleted of energy. This triggers intense hunger.

Weight loss. Despite eating more than usual to relieve hunger, you may lose weight. Without the ability to metabolize glucose, the body uses alternative fuels stored in muscle and fat. Calories are lost as excess glucose is released in the urine.

Fatigue. If your cells are deprived of sugar, you may become tired and irritable.

Blurred vision. If your blood sugar is too high, fluid may be pulled from the lenses of your eyes. This may affect your ability to focus clearly.

Slow-healing sores or frequent infections. Type 2 diabetes affects your ability to heal and resist infections.

Areas of darkened skin. Some people with type 2 diabetes have patches of dark, velvety skin in the folds and creases of their bodies — usually in the armpits and neck. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, may be a sign of insulin resistance.

 Gum Disease.  Red, swollen, painful, bleeding gums can be a sign of diabetes or pre-diabetes.  Don't ignore this symptom.  Get a finger stick and find out what your blood glucose level is.  If it is high (200's or 300's) get to the Dr. as soon as possible.  If you are pre-diabetic then you still have a chance to reel it in and manage it early in the game!

 

The most scary thing about Type 2 Diabetes is that you can have it for years and not be aware of it!  By the time some Type 2 Diabetics get diagnosed, they are already experiencing complications such as slow wound healing or retinopathy.  

Now I'm in territory I can talk about!  The best defense is a good offense - so if you can possibly do it, lose the extra weight!  Take it from me - you will be amazed at how much better your blood sugar levels will be if you make a decision to lose the weight.  Maybe you're in a situation similar to mine and can not do a ton of exercise every day.  It only takes a half hour of activity -  Any activity!  If you have to sit down - then ride a stationary bike!  If you are able to walk without pain, then get out and walk.

I'm very happy to say there are many non-diabetic folks who read this blog!  If we can just spread knowledge and educate a few people about diabetes, then hopefully the ignorance about the two types will go away. 

When I talk about diet, exercise, water, positive attitude and weight loss, please know that I'm talking to Type 2 Diabetics.  Type 2 Diabetics do NOT have to be insulin dependent diabetics!  That statement will probably chap some Type 2 hides, but it's the truth.  With a little discipline and determination you can obtain a healthy blood glucose level and have a very happy HbA1c.  You just have to want it bad enough! 

Observe an 80/20 ratio of alkaline diet.  Eat mostly green healthy stuff and sneak in a piece of chocolate - or a cup of coffee - or something else that is acidic that you like!  Move for 30 minutes every day.  Drink 8 - 8oz. glasses of water every day.  This is not difficult.  Let me tell ya - if I can do it, you CAN do it!  I would not ask you to do something that I am not doing myself.  I have lost 80 pounds.  I got off of insulin.  I am still on two Metformin and two Glipizide a day, a significant decrease in medications! 

The best news of all - at my last doctor's appointment, my HbA1c was normal.

It's my life - and this is my lifestyle.  I thank God for it!

What is the difference between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes?

http://youtu.be/1RMr24tnmvQ

The very talented poet and author of the devotion, "Coffee With Jesus", Lucinda Berry Hill has contributed the following poem for all of us, whether we are a part of the diabetic community or not.  Let's Pray for Each Other!  What a great idea!

 

 

Let's Pray For Each Other

We may not know each other's names
Nor have seen each other's faces.
We may not know each other's needs,
But together we can raise them.

We may be struggling with an anger
With temptation, guilt, or pain.
We may be wrestling with a choice,
A decision, or a change.

I'll pray for you, will you pray for me?
Let us lift each other up.
Let us pray for one another
In the love that Christ has taught.

And let us pray in thankfulness
For all He gives and does.
Let us recognize His faithfulness
And praise Him with our love.

 

Today is WORLD KIDNEY DAY!!!!!!!!!!  This is of particular interest to diabetics because one of the more severe complications of diabetes is kidney disease.  Take care of your kidneys by staying hydrated and cut out the excess sodium in your diet. 

 

 

Today is also LEARN ABOUT BUTTERFLIES DAY!!!  These marvelous creatures are indeed fascinating!  I hope this means that Spring is just around the corner!

 

 



I was reminded by my friend Edward Fox at Coffee News Wichita that today is also PI DAY!!!!!!!!!!!  He posted the following joke on facebook:

Who was the largest Knight at king Arthur's round table ? ...
Sir Cumfrence ... how did he get that way ? ... To much Pi.

Happy Pi Day.


Edward, I think we need to have a little pow wow about your jokes. 
Just sayin'...