Type 2 diabetes
Shafina Bibi was shocked to hear she had diabetes, but now she's changed her lifestyle and has never felt better.
"I was devastated when I found out I had diabetes," says Shafina Bibi, 35. "I never dreamed it would happen to me."
Shafina moved to the UK from Pakistan nearly 15 years ago. As someone of south Asian origin, shehad ahigher risk of getting diabetes. She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in2001 and feared the worst.
"Being south Asian and overweight, I was more at risk," Shafina says. In fact, the more overweight and unfit you are, the greater your risk of developing the condition. More than 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight.
Shafina also developed temporary Gestational diabetes during pregnancy, and this put her at an even greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
"But in spite of all these high-risk factors, I never dreamed it would happen to me," Shafina says. "Suddenly, I was told I was at greater risk of serious complications suchas heart attacks, blindness and kidney damage. I felt very frightened and alone.
"When the diabetes educator from the community diabetes team called to invite me to their 'new to type 2' groupeducation session, it was a huge relief. The educator held the group at my local community centre and spoke in Urdu, my first language, which put me at ease.
"She explained all about type 2 diabetes, making it absolutely clear that we should keep fit and slim by exercising, cutting back on fat, and eating more fruit and veg. It began to sink in that if I wanted to see my grandchildren, I'd have to lose some weight.
"When you're a mother of five, finding time to look after yourself is hard. After my youngest was born nearly four years ago, I became very overweight and felt far too tired to exercise.
"But I left the session feeling really motivated. I reduced the oil in my cooking, and cut out butter and ghee. I began eating more fruit and veg and moved from full-fat to semi-skimmed milk.
"Now, when I feel peckish, I eat an apple rather than half a packet of biscuits. I walk my children to school every day and make sure I'm going as fast as I can.
"In the last seven months, I've lost nearly four stone (25kg) and my blood sugar levels have come right down. I feel full of energy. My children can't believe how good their mum looks."
Yes, diabetes is considered a risk factor for cardiac problems including a heart attack. Keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol well controlled will lower your risks quite a bit. Aiming for HbA1c (three-month blood sugar average) less than 7 would be ideal.
There is no convincing data to suggest that all diabetics have poor dental health. But having said that, poorly controlled DM does make one prone to infections and poor health—including dental health. Letting your dentist know that you have DM would be prudent. Given this knowledge about your medical condition, your dentist will be able to choose the correct products for treatment.
Yes, it is true, but not in everybody though. It depends on what degree of diabetes these patients had to start with prior to surgery.
Plant-based carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and starchy vegetables including beans/lentils. Foods with higher fiber may take longer to digest and decrease the after-meal glucose spikes.
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which includes coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease. Fortunately, through management of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, your risk for heart-related events can substantially drop. Of these, blood pressure and cholesterol management appear to be more important than blood sugar control (with respect to cardiovascular disease). It is generally recommended that most patients with diabetes in your age group should be on statin-class drugs (types of cholesterol drugs) that are known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Eye exams are recommended annually for most patients. Blood sugar control has the greatest impact in reducing the risk of diabetes-related eye disease. Most patients with diabetes Type 2 are followed by primary care physicians (such as internists and family physicians). Those with more complex issues may need to be referred to an endocrinologist.
Cleveland Clinic has many locations that offer diabetes education classes, including a new, conveniently located, free standing Diabetes Center in the University Circle area. Topics covered includenutrition, education, meter and insulin injection instructions, basic education about the disease state, and insulin pumps. Group and individual sessions are available.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin to function properly, or the body's cells don't react to insulin. This means glucose stays in the blood and isn't used as fuel for energy.
Read about the symptom of diabetes, including feeling very thirsty, passing more urine than usual, and feeling tired all the time.
Read about the causes of type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain a normal blood glucose level, or the body is unable to use the insulin that is produced.
Read about treating type 2 diabetes. Find out how to keep your blood glucose levels as normal as possible by making lifestyle changes, such as eating more healthily and taking more exercise.
Read about complications of type 2 diabetes. Without treatment, it can lead to a number of other health problems. High glucose levels can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs.
Read about living with type 2 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, you'll need to look after your health very carefully.
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When Charles Torkington, 54, was diagnosed with diabetes, it gave him the determination to change his diet and his life.
Shafina Bibi was shocked to hear she had diabetes. But now she's changed her lifestyle and has never felt better.