WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: DIABETES

DIABETES INFORMATION

Prediabetes   

What is it?           

• Elevated blood sugar levels but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes
• Raises risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke

Cause

• Associated with older age obesity, family history, physical inactivity and certain ethnicities

Treatment/Management

• Reduce risk for developing type 2 diabetes by reducing body weight by 5-7%
• Done through improved diet and increased in physical activity

Type I

What is it?

• Autoimmune diseasesThe body’s immune system attacks the insulin producing cells in the pancreas
• Insulin is the hormone that allows our body to convert food to energy

Cause

• Currently unknown but believed autoimmune, genetic, environmental and other factors are involved

Treatment/Management

• Must be treated with insulin shots and possible other medications
• Healthy food choices and exercise help manage the condition

Type II

What is it?

Condition that begins with the body being unable to use its own insulin supply efficiently Eventually insulin production will decrease Glucose (sugar) will build up in the blood because it cannot be converted to energy Cause Associated with older age, obesity, family history, physical inactivity, and certain ethnicities. 80% of type 2 diabetics are overweight or obese Treatment/Management Some take medications, Most people will benefit from making healthy food choices and being physically active patientcareofwilmington.com American Diabetes Association