Life With Diabetes

CEBU, Philippines -  Do you have diabetes? Or do you know someone who has it? You might be surprised to know that diabetes is not really as bad as you think or have heard it is. Most of what we know about diabetes is based on scare stories that have been circulated around for purposes other than sincerely telling the truth about the condition. And, as these stories are passed on, they become more and more scary every time.

There is, of course, some truth in what we read in magazine articles and in books, or what we see on television and in the movies, or in stories we hear from caring family and friends. However, most of what's written about diabetes is aimed at selling us something else - from formula diets to funeral plans. Most, if not all, TV shows and movies that depict the illness employ scare tactics to draw audiences.

With our excessive modern ways and the too much pollution that suffocates our planet, it has almost become impossible for anyone to stay in perfect health. At one time or another, anyone of us contracts a disease. Even if you're particularly careful about your health, sooner or later age will catch up with you and weaken your body, and you become less and less resistant to illness. That's the way of life.

If it is our fate to have an illness, say an irreversible one-and no one really has the privilege of choice-then we may be fortunate to have diabetes. First of all, by all means we shall do whatever we can to avoid the disease, any disease for that matter. But when we have it, we need not give up on our life like it's the end of the world. It's not. Diabetes can be managed.

Diabetes is not something to be ashamed of. On the contrary, it can be a source of pride when one is able to manage it. The Miss America of the year 2000 attributed her crown to her diabetes. She has it since age 14 and took it as a challenge. Along with medication, she has since been following a prescribed diet and exercise program, the reason for her winning form.

An internationally known author thanks his diabetes for the recent boom in his career. He's able to finish good number of books since he acquired the disease several years ago. He has developed insomnia, perhaps as one of the symptoms of diabetes itself or as side effect of the medication he is taking. Instead of sulking in misery, he uses his extended waking hours to write. He enjoys uninterrupted work time while everybody else is asleep.

Diabetes can have much lesser discomforts than many known illnesses, as long as it is properly controlled-with medication, proper diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. A positive attitude towards the disease can also help a lot. The condition can be a cue for one to start taking better care of oneself.

The risk of contracting diabetes is a reality in our life today. Even doctors and other health professionals are not guaranteed safe from it. Nobody really is. But the diabetics who try to acquire a better understanding of the disease are likely to turn it into an advantage instead of a liability. It's bad enough to have the disease; believing in all these exaggerated talks can only make it worse.

Fear and dread will not help at all in dealing with diabetes as with any disease. What helps is profound understanding about it. Knowing the facts can allay the neurosis that the issue of diabetes has been mercilessly dipped into.

If you or someone you care about has symptoms, consult your doctor. He's the most reliable source of sensible advice on the matter. Also do your own extensive research. Do not just take anything you're told by the media and some lay people, and then be scared to death, literally.  

Diabetes mellitus affects about millions of people worldwide, yet perhaps only half of them know they have it. Often those with the most common type of diabetes, which tends to show up in older adults, confuse their symptoms with aging or being overweight. As a result, they don't get the treatment they need. Untreated diabetes can cause serious problems, including an increased risk of stroke and heart attack, blindness, kidney trouble, nerve damage, and amputation of limbs due to circulatory problems.

There are two types of diabetes. The variety called Type I diabetes usually starts in childhood. It occurs when the pancreas stops making insulin, which converts glucose (sugar) into energy for use by the muscles. People who have Type I diabetes generally require daily insulin injections.

About 90 percent of diabetics have Type II diabetes, which results when the muscles become resistant to insulin, even though the body may be producing enough. These people usually don't require insulin injections.

The risk of getting Type II diabetes rises with age (it's also called adult-onset diabetes). If you have a relative with Type II diabetes, you're at greater risk. Obesity, lack of exercise, and a high-fat diet also increase the risk. While neither type of diabetes can be cured, both can be managed well with a combination of drugs, exercise, a healthful diet, and monitoring of blood sugar levels.

What You Can Do Now

                .               If you have diabetes, follow your doctor's advice about diet, exercise, and                                           monitoring your blood sugar levels.

When To Call The Doctor

                Call or go to an emergency facility immediately:

                .               If you feel weak and nauseous, excessively thirsty, are urinating very                                     frequently, and have abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and noticeably                                     sweet-smelling breath. You may have ketoacidosis - a life threatening                                             condition (in Type I diabetes only).

                .               If you experience extreme thirst, lethargy, weakness, and mental confusion;                                     you may have dangerously high blood sugar levels that

                                could lead to coma.

                .               If a person known to have diabetes loses consciousness.

                                Call for an immediate appointment:

                .               If you or someone in your family develop symptoms of diabetes.

                .               If you have diabetes and you get the flu; flu and some other illnesses can                                            make your blood sugar levels go out of control.

How To Prevent It

                There is no way to prevent Type I diabetes. To prevent Type II diabetes:

                .               Keep your weight within healthy range for your age, height, and build.

                .               Exercise regularly. This is very important in preventing diabetes or                                                           managing it once it occurs.

                .               If you are over 40, and overweight, or have a family history of diabetes,                                                get screened for diabetes every one to three years.

-              --- From Dr. Koop's Self Care Advisor By C. Everet Koop, M.D.  (FREEMAN)