This post was written by Susan Bruick, RN, MSN, CDCES, Parkview Diabetic Care Services.
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. In recognition, communities nationwide collaborate to share resources for those who are living with diabetes or those who are at risk. Did you know that 37.3 million Americans have diabetes? That’s 1 person out of every 10. Of those, 1 in 5 have undiagnosed diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes and 10% have Type 1.
Understanding the types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that attacks the beta cells in the pancreas leading it to stop producing insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin to be given by injection, or subcutaneously, to live. A healthy meal plan and activity are also a part of a well-rounded treatment plan.
Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic disease resulting in insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. Treatment focuses on lifestyle modifications like healthy meal planning, increased activity and stress management as well as oral agents, injectables and insulin.
Pre-diabetes or Impaired Fasting Glucose is a disease process that can turn into Type 2 diabetes without intervention. Those at risk for or with pre-diabetes are often:
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Overweight
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45 years of age or older
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Physically inactive
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Have a history of gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is diabetes in pregnancy. Women are screened for gestational diabetes between 28-30 weeks gestation. Once the infant is delivered, gestational diabetes goes away. However, women who have had gestational diabetes have a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes services at Parkview
Parkview Diabetes Care Services offers resources and tools for people with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes and gestational diabetes. Our clinicians are Certified Diabetes Care Specialists and practice under the American Diabetes Association certification. Our diabetes care services team can provide Diabetes Prevention Programs, Diabetes Care Direct (DCD) in conjunction with employers, lifestyle change specialists, core curriculum group classes, Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), and assistance with starting an insulin pump and sensors with the latest technologies available. We also offer monthly groups for people living with diabetes at our community hospitals.
Living with diabetes is a lifestyle. Awareness of healthy lifestyle choices is key to healthy living and overall well-being and wellness. For more diabetes education, contact Diabetes Care Services at 260-373-4280.
