Chronic Disease & Injury
Diabetes
Diabetes means that blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes – the body does not make insulin. Insulin helps the body use glucose from food for energy. People with type 1 need to take insulin every day.
Type 2 Diabetes – the body does not make or use insulin well. People with type 2 often need to take pills or insulin. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes.
Resources
Symptoms:
- Diabetes is serious and must be carefully managed. All people with diabetes need to make healthy food choices, stay at a healthy weight and be physically active every day.
Diabetes causes:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Eye problems that can lead to trouble seeing or going blind
- Nerve damage that can cause the hands and feet to feel numb; some people may even lose a foot or a leg
- Kidney problems that can cause the kidneys to stop working
- Gum disease and loss of teeth
Normal blood glucose (blood sugar) means a person will:
- Have more energy
- Be less tired and thirsty and urinate less often
- Heal better and have fewer skin or bladder infections
- Have fewer problems with eyesight, feet, and gums
Prevention of Diabetes:
- Journey for Control
- American Diabetes Association
- 5 Tips for Control
- In The Home-Administration on Aging
- Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Program (NUPAO)