Diabetes...Tick...Tick...Tick...Tick

Diabetes runs in my family. I don't have it yet but my Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandpa had it. I had Gestational Diabetes. It really just feels like a matter of time. It gets easier with each generation. My Grandma didn't want to have to take an insulin shot. She remembers her father crying when he received his each morning. He was a big and strong Italian dude who was Joe DiMaggio's Taylor. But those needles have been improved and don't hurt as much.

My Dad worked for BD. It's a company that makes needles. On one Take-Your-Daughter-To-Work Day I learned about needles. Apparently, they are made sharper and pointier now and that makes them less painful. Grandma still wasn't interested and died in the recovery room after Gall Bladder surgery. It was deteriorating from the insulin issues. She died in March of 2002.

My Mom needs medication but not insulin yet. She's careful about her diet, exercises, and keeps a good eye on her blood sugar. The finger prick needles for the blood test are getting softer and easier to use. When I had Gestational Diabetes I had to do that four times a day. My Mom only needs to check twice a day. There are a lot of people who have Diabetes or a family member with Diabetes. With that in mind, I decided it's time to learn more about Diabetes.

There are three types of Diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational. My personal experience with Gestational Diabetes started typically. When I was around 24 weeks pregnant I was sent to LabCorp for a test. They take blood then bring you to a room where you drink a glucose drink that usually tastes nasty. They wait an hour and take more blood. I saw a Nutritionist and worked out a strong eating and finger prick testing plan. I had been concerned about the quantities that they called a serving but when I went to measure my food at home I realized I already was eating the recommended serving amount or less. All the finger pricking started to bother me but the diet was manageable once I found some combinations that I liked. That was the Glucose Tolerance test and it's common to test for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes too.

Gestational Diabetes:

1. It's effects about 18% of pregnancies developing around 24 weeks gestation and goes back to normal when the baby is born.

2. The Placenta supports the baby as it grows. But it's hormones can block insulin to the mother. Gestational Diabetes starts when your body can't make enough insulin to support the pregnancy.

3.  If you don't treat the Gestational Diabetes your baby may have higher glucose levels too. The mother's body sends extra glucose to the baby. It might cause Macrosomia. That's another word for a "fat" baby and can cause other health problems related to obesity.

4. They also might be born Hypoglacemic.

5. Diagnosed with the Glucose Tolerance Test (mentioned above)

Symptoms

1. Increased Thirst
2. Increased Urination
3. Increased Hunger
4. Blurred Vision

Treatment

Diet Modification and Finger Prick testing

 Zach didn't have Macrosomia. They did a heal prick test for Hypoglacemia but he didn't have that either. I got that information from the below link from the American Diabetes Association and WebMD.

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/gestational/what-is-gestational-diabetes.html?loc=db-slabnav

http://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/gestational-diabetes-topic-overview


Type 1:

1. Only 5% of people with Diabetes have Type 1 Diabetes. It is usually diagnosed in kids and young adults but you can develop it at any age.

2. The body doesn't produce insulin which is necessary for the body to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy


Symptoms

1. Being Very Thirsty
2. Urinating a lot
3. Losing Weight Without Trying
4. Sometimes Being Hungrier Then Usual
5. Blurry Eyesight

Treatment

1. If you wait too long you can develop Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). It's a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance that results when the blood cells don't get the glucose it needs to produce energy. As a result, the body breaks down fat instead and releases keytones into the blood stream.

Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include:

• Flushed, hot, dry skin.
• A strong, fruity breath odor.
• Restlessness, drowsiness, or difficulty waking up. Young children may lack interest in their normal activities.
• Rapid, deep breathing.
• Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
• Confusion.

Severe diabetic ketoacidosis can cause difficulty breathing, brain swelling (cerebral edema), coma, or death. Treatment involves giving insulin and fluids through a vein and closely monitoring and replacing electrolytes.

2. Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes usually includes insulin shots.

http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/diabetic-ketoacidosis-dka

http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/tc/type-1-diabetes-topic-overview

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-1/?loc=db-slabnav


Type 2:

1. The most common type of Diabetes. The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes is that in Type 1 the body isn't producing any insulin but in Type 2 it does.

2. Either the body doesn't produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to produce energy

Damage to the body. Over time, the high glucose levels in the blood can damage the nerves and small blood vessels of the eyes, kidneys, and heart and lead to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries that can cause heart attack and stroke.

Dehydration. The buildup of sugar in the blood can cause an increase in urination, causing dehydration.

Diabetic coma (hyperosmolar nonketotic diabetic coma). When a person with type 2 diabetes becomes very ill or severely dehydrated and is not able to drink enough fluids to make up for the fluid losses, they may develop this life-threatening complication

Who Gets Type 2 Diabetes?

Anyone can get type 2 diabetes. But those at highest risk for the disease are those who:

• Are over 45
• Are obese or overweight
• Have had gestational diabetes 
• Have family members who have type 2 diabetes
• Have prediabetes
• Don't exercise
• Have low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides
• Have high blood pressure
• Are members of certain racial or ethnic groups

http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/type-2-diabetes

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/?loc=db-slabnav


Diet For All Types:

1. You have to change your diet but sometimes you need either pill medication or insulin shots.

2. The diet changes for everyone so I can't post a specific diet to follow but everyone with diabetes has to watch their sugar and carbohydrate intake. That's why it's important to build a meal plan with a Nutritionist based on your individual needs. You also have to exercise.

http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/making-healthy-food-choices/?loc=ff-slabnav

Amputation And Foot Issues:

1. Neuropathy is nerve damage.

2, Diabetes can also cause skin changes such as very dry and cracked skin

3. Calluses are more common too

4. Foot Ulcers form at the ball of the foot or the bottom of the big toe. Ignoring ulcers can result in infection that can result in a loss of a limb. The doctor will take x-rays and encourage you to stay off your feet.

5. Poor Circulation also can result in amputation. Diabetes causes blood vessels in your foot and heal to harden and narrow.

6. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is more common with Diabetes. It reduces blood flow to the feet. The reduced blood flow combined with the Neuropathy can lead to ulcers and amputation.

Amputations are preventable with proper foot care and proper footwear. A lot of Diabetics that need amputations are smokers.

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/foot-complications/


If you are at risk for Diabetes of have these symptoms it's best to ask your doctor about it. Diabetic Ketoacidosis is serious and possibly fatal. My doctor knows about my family history and has that in mind while monitoring my health. The best we can to do possibly avoid developing Diabetes is to eat healthy and exercise.