Lakewood, NJ - The number of
Americans with diabetes is on the rise, according to the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC), increasing by approximately
three million people between 2005 and 2007. Today, nearly
24 million Americans – eight percent of the population – have
diabetes. November is American Diabetes Month, and
is a good time to recognize the causes of diabetes and most
importantly, how to control the disease and live an active,
healthy life.
“Diabetes is a disease caused by problems with insulin,
a hormone produced in the pancreas that helps the body turn
the foods we eat into energy,” says Irene Spinelli,
MSN, RN, WCC, Manager of Kimball Medical Center’s Center
for Healthy Living.
According to Spinelli, who helps coordinate the Center’s
Diabetes Education program, diabetes is a result of two factors;
how much insulin the body produces, and how efficiently the
body uses the insulin already produced. Problems with one
or the other, or a combination of the two, can cause glucose,
or sugar, to build up in the bloodstream.
While there are different types of diabetes, the most common
form of diabetes is Type 2. “In Type 2 diabetes, the
body either does not produce enough insulin or the cells
are not able to utilize the insulin that is produced,” she
explains. Type 2 diabetes is more common as people age, and
occurs more frequently in those who are overweight.
According to Spinelli, when we eat, the body breaks down
all of the sugars and starches in food into glucose, which
is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. “Insulin
is necessary for the body to be able to use that glucose
for energy. It’s like a key that unlocks the
cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel the
cells,” she explains. In people with Type 2 diabetes,
according to Spinelli, glucose builds up in the bloodstream
instead of going into the cells. “This starves your
cells of energy,” she says, “and long term,
high blood glucose levels can cause major organ damage, leading
to kidney failure, heart and circulatory problems, blindness,
amputation and premature death. But people with diabetes
can take steps to control the disease, and lower the risk
of complications,” she adds.
In fact, according to the CDC, the risk for death among
people with diabetes is about twice that of people without
diabetes of similar age. It is currently the sixth leading
cause of death by disease in this country.
While there is no cure, Spinelli stresses that diabetes – and
it’s complications – can be controlled by modifying
one’s diet, increasing exercise and often through the
use of medication.
“There are several different types of oral diabetes
medications, all of which help in lowering blood glucose
levels in a variety of ways,” she explains. “There
are medications that stimulate the pancreas to produce more
insulin,” she explains. “Other medications can
reduce the production of excess glucose in the liver, slow
the absorption of carbohydrates, or increase the body’s
ability to utilize the insulin it produces,” she explains.
According to Spinelli, the varying types of oral medications
may be prescribed individually, in combination or be taken
with insulin, depending on each patient’s condition
and goals for blood sugar control.
Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels, and making adjustments
in medication, if necessary, is an important component of
controlling diabetes, she notes. “Many people find
that the more often they check their blood sugar, the greater
control they’re able to maintain,” she says.
Also key to control, according to Spinelli, are lifestyle
changes including a healthier diet and regular exercise.
“People with diabetes can eat the same foods their
family or friends enjoy,” says Spinelli. Healthy eating,
according to Spinelli, should include a wide variety of foods
such as vegetables, whole grains, fruits, non-fat dairy products,
beans, lean meats, poultry and fish. “The key is to
include a variety of different foods while being mindful
of portion sizes. And, choose foods that are high in vitamins,
minerals and fiber, instead of processed foods that often
contain added sugar and salt,” she adds.
Spinelli says that Kimball’s diabetes education program
offers nutritional help and support for individuals working
to change their eating habits. “It’s not difficult
to eat well and still control your blood sugar,” she
says. “It just takes a little more planning to make
sure you’re getting the proper amount of nutrition
while limiting the amount of sugar and carbohydrates in your
diet. It’s a matter of finding the right balance,” she
adds.
Incorporating regular exercise is also a key component to
help control diabetes. “Exercise impacts the way our
bodies react to insulin, so increasing our activity level
can be very helpful,” says Spinelli. In general, 30
to 60 minutes of moderate intensity exercise daily is recommended.
Kimball’s Center for Healthy Living offers programs
to help those people with diabetes increase their daily exercise. “We
offer weekly yoga classes which can be a gentle way to increase
your activity level,” she says. “Walking is another
great exercise for people with diabetes,” she adds.
Spinelli recommends checking with your doctor before beginning
any new exercise program.
To find out more about diabetes or other programming available
at Kimball Medical Center’s Center for Healthy Living,
or for a referral to a physician who specializes in diabetes,
please call the Barnabas Health Care Link at1-888-724-7123.
Bringing Diabetes to Light
Kimball Medical Center will be hosting a Diabetes Information
Table outside the cafeteria for the community on Friday,
November 13 from 11 am to 1 pm to commemorate
American Diabetes Month. Diabetes educational and support
materials will be available from a certified diabetes educator.
Date: October 22, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@barnabashealth.org
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