A staggering 30 million people in the United States have Diabetes. I chose this non-communicable disease because it has affected my own family. Three of my grandparents have the disease. My mother is concerned that she will become diabetic because it is hereditary. This could in turn be passed along to me if we as a family do not start making some changes to our nutrition and exercise.
Diabetes by definition is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Some symptoms include: frequent urination, unusual thirst, weight loss, fatigue, blurry vision, extreme hunger, numbness in hands and feet, bruises, and slow to heal cuts. There are two main types of diabetes. One type is called Type 1 Diabetes. It usually effects children. Type 2 Diabetes usually effect adults age 45 and older, however, the rate of diagnoses for both are rising. Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body cannot …show more content…
Blood glucose testing is a must. Patients are given one touch glucose testers. It quickly pokes a tiny needle into the tip of your finger and then the patient uses a test stick to get their glucose number. Normal glucose level for a nondiabetic or someone being treated with medication should have a glucose level between 70mg and 100mg. Levels in the 200s or 300s can be fatal. My grandfather has levels around 300mg on a normal basis. This is not good! He has to give himself daily injections of insulin to help bring his levels back down to normal. Other medications can be used to control the amount of insulin that your body produces. In worst cases, dialysis may be needed because diabetes greatly affects the kidneys sometimes leading to transplant. Diet is a major factor as well. My grandfather was sent to a dietician to help get his nutrition in
Diabetes by definition is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Some symptoms include: frequent urination, unusual thirst, weight loss, fatigue, blurry vision, extreme hunger, numbness in hands and feet, bruises, and slow to heal cuts. There are two main types of diabetes. One type is called Type 1 Diabetes. It usually effects children. Type 2 Diabetes usually effect adults age 45 and older, however, the rate of diagnoses for both are rising. Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body cannot …show more content…
Blood glucose testing is a must. Patients are given one touch glucose testers. It quickly pokes a tiny needle into the tip of your finger and then the patient uses a test stick to get their glucose number. Normal glucose level for a nondiabetic or someone being treated with medication should have a glucose level between 70mg and 100mg. Levels in the 200s or 300s can be fatal. My grandfather has levels around 300mg on a normal basis. This is not good! He has to give himself daily injections of insulin to help bring his levels back down to normal. Other medications can be used to control the amount of insulin that your body produces. In worst cases, dialysis may be needed because diabetes greatly affects the kidneys sometimes leading to transplant. Diet is a major factor as well. My grandfather was sent to a dietician to help get his nutrition in