An estimated 16 million people in the United States have diabetes, a chronic condition that causes more than 178,00 deaths each year. There are two kinds of diabetes: Type 1, in which the body makes little or no insulin, a hormone needed to convert food into energy; and Type 2, in which the body is resistant to the insulin it produces. More than 90 percent of those diagnosed with the condition have Type 2 diabetes.
Although some experts believe that Type 1 is more serious, Type 2 can result in problems that are just as dangerous. In fact, you can lose five to ten years of your life span if the disease is not managed effectively.
People who live with Type 2 diabetes have a greater risk of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, impotence, amputation, gum disease and nerve damage.
But there's good news. If you have Type 2 diabetes, you can prevent or delay complications by taking steps to manage your condition. To help you with this task, Bayview offers the expertise of physicians, as well as two certified diabetes educators, to guide you along the way.
So how do you take the first steps? Bayview professionals offer guidance in each area by blasting some commonly held myths.
Medication
Myth: Medical treatments alone will control my condition.
Facts: Many oral medications now are available that better meet the needs of individual patients. In addition, insulin delivery systems have been improved to allow greater convenience and flexibility. But medications are only part of the battle. People with Type 2 diabetes must play an active role in their care by adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors that allow medications to work effectively. Poor diet and exercise habits can undermine the best treatment.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Myth: A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dl is okay as long as I'm not having symptoms.
Facts: The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recently revised its guidelines for blood sugar levels. The ideal range for the majority of diabetes patients is 80 to 120 mg/dl before meals and 100 to 140 mg/dl before bedtime. (Depending on your condition and treatment, these numbers may vary.)
Everyone who has Type 2 diabetes should have a way to measure blood sugar to maintain optimal control, diabetes educators suggest. If your blood sugar level goes over the limit established by your physician - even if you are not experiencing immediate symptoms - you can put yourself at risk for long- term complications.
Diet
Myth: I have to follow a special diet and can't eat foods that contain sugar.
Facts: There is no such thing as a diabetic diet, dietitians explain. People with diabetes can eat any food - in moderation and with planning.
The basis of proper eating for Type 2 diabetes patients is similar to any healthy meal plan: a diet with a variety of foods that is low in fat and cholesterol. People with Type 2 diabetes also need to limit their intake of carbohydrates, which increase blood sugar levels at about the same rate as sugar. Specifically, diabetes patients should eat three meals a day; choose whole-grain, high-fiber breads and cereals; select nonfat dairy products; have five total servings of fruit and vegetables each day; bake or broil foods, don't fry; limit foods high in calories, fat, sugar and salt; and spread their carbohydrate intake throughout the day.
Exercise
Myth: I don't have time to exercise.
Facts: Exercise is like free medication. It can help your pancreas secrete more insulin and help you reduce stress - two ways to keep your blood sugar down. Physicians at Hopkins Bayview recommend 30-60 minutes of exercise every day to stay energetic and productive. For people who are just starting out, going to bed a half-hour earlier than usual each night and waking up a half-hour earlier each morning may help. Use the additional half hour in the morning for exercise instead of delaying to the end of the day when you are more likely to skip it.
Stress Management
Myth: My symptoms aren't that severe. I don't have to take better care of myself.
Facts: Diabetes is a lifelong condition. Even if you don't have symptoms, you still are diabetic. Everyday stresses, as well as emotional and crisis situations, can increase your blood sugar. That's why it's important for people with diabetes to set aside 10 to 15 minutes every day to relax - whether it's taking a hot bath, reading a novel, listening to music or walking in a park.
No treatment strategy is more important than another. You must use all of them to live longer and live better with your disease.
Are you at risk for diabetes? If you are in the Baltimore area, call 410-550-0289 and ask for free risk assessment information.
