Diabetes
I want to talk about it
So please don’t feel bad for me
I want your help
I want you to understand
And I want you to listen
I am so confused
The more I learn
The more I realized
There's a lot I don't know
And you can't help me
Without me telling you
What I have learned so far
So while some are hiding
Because they are afraid
You will treat them differently
Friends and Family
I am diabetic
And when you are ready
I am here to talk
By: Sandra Pfeil
DIABETES
In June 2003 I went to the hospital because I was not feeling well. They thought at first I had an ear infection, then found out it was diabetes. I was 24 years old when this happened. After a week at the hospital, I was released only to discover there is a lot about diabetes I was about to learn.
You might ask what diabetes is. It is when your body produces little or no insulin. When you eat food it turns into glucose (sugar) and enters the blood stream. Insulin is produced in the pancreas and meets up with the sugars in our blood. The insulin acts as the door opener for the sugars to enter the cell. Once in the cell, the cell uses it for energy. If the cells cannot get energy from glucose, it gets it from stored fat, by getting energy from stored fat the body leaves behind a waste product called ketones. The build up of ketones causes the dangerous condition of ketoacidosis. When I was in the hospital I found out that I had lost about 25 pounds through ketoacidosis. I was getting rid of my stored fats through urination (Type 1 Diabetes).
There are four types of diabetes. Type 1 juvenile or insulin-dependant diabetes produces no insulin. This is the type I have and we have to inject insulin. Type 1 diabetics normally inherit it from their parents. I most likely inherited it through my Dad. He has been a type 1 diabetic since he was seven years old. Type 2 non-insulin dependant or adult on-set diabetics produce some insulin but not enough. This type generally has to take pills or may even have to just watch their diet. Type 2 diabetics mainly get it because they are over weight. They are usually diagnosed as adults. Type 3 pre-gestational diabetics have diabetes during pregnancy. After birth they have to be careful because they are at high risk for developing type 2. Type 4 diabetics get diabetes due to the effects of another disease. (Diabetes)
My body no longer produces insulin and therefore I must inject myself with it. There are two insulins that I use. One is called Humalog and the other is Lantus. The Humalog insulin I take 15 minutes before every meal. It is a fast acting insulin. The Lantus I take at night before I go to bed. Lantus is a 24-hour insulin. It helps to control blood sugar levels throughout the day. The Humalog only covers meals. Insulin can come in two forms a pen or a bottle. I can inject myself on my shoulders, my stomach, and/or my upper thighs.
My main concern is making sure that my blood sugar levels stay within a normal or healthy range. In order to do that I have to test my blood sugar levels. I do this with a device call a glucometer. This is when a diabetic pricks their finger to test their blood sugar. I have to do this 3-6 times a day. Normally a diabetic would test before a meal and two hours after they eat. A person without diabetes blood sugar level before meals is less than 110mg/dL (milligrams of sugar for every 100 milliliters of blood). When fasting or before meals my blood sugar levels should be between 80-100 mg/dL. After meals it should be between 100-180mg/dL. If it were too high I would need to take more insulin or medication. If blood sugar were less than 80mg/dL I would need to eat more or drink something with sugar in it (Managing Your Diabetes).
If my levels are off, it could lead to serious problems. A diabetic is at risk of getting heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, nervous system disease, and pregnancy complications. Keeping blood sugar levels in a normal range is the way to fend off other problems from happening. Sometimes I have had levels out of range. If they are too high it is called hyperglycemia. If they are too low it is called hypoglycemia (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse).
Hyperglycemia can be caused by taking too little insulin, too little medication, not following diet, getting an infection or illness, decreased exercise, getting a fever, and/or stress. The signs or symptoms a diabetic would get with high blood sugar levels are being thirsty, hungry, frequent passing of urine, blurred vision, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and/or cuts or sores that do not heal or are slow to heal. If blood sugars are too high for a long period of time then it causes internal problems such as kidney and heart disease (Diabetes).
Hypoglycemia can be caused by taking too much insulin, taking too much medication, not eating, delaying eating or eating too little, and/or unusual extra activity or exercise. The signs or symptoms felt when blood sugar is low are shaking, fast heartbeat, sweating, anxious, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, irritable, headache, impaired vision, and hunger. Severely low blood sugar can lead to seizures or unconsciousness. A person with severely low blood sugar would need to seek medical attention (Diabetes).
In November of 2003, I had a sever case of hypoglycemia. I was traveling with some friends in New York. In my friends hotel I took my insulin and then we all went to eat. On the way to get food I had a seizure. My blood sugar levels went to low before we reached the restaurant. I remember my body twitching. I grabbed my friend’s shoulder and told her “something is wrong”. Then I woke up in an ambulance. Apparently, after I grabbed her I fell to the ground. I hit my head before my friend could catch me. Needless to say my trip was shorter then planned. I learned to take my insulin directly before I eat or just after.
Making better food choices will help control blood sugar levels. There is nothing we diabetics cannot eat. But if I want my levels to stay in a normal range, then there are some healthier choices. Eat a variety of foods. Make choices such as whole grain, less high fat and fried foods. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Pick foods that are low fat or fat free. Buy meats that are lean and trim off fat. Peel the skin off chicken and turkey. Stick with sugar free sweets and diet sodas. Limit alcohol to one or two drinks. These choices are healthy for diabetics and people in general (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse).
Along with eating the right foods exercise should be a part of our daily routine. I try to run or walk the lake in my town everyday. Exercise helps in keeping my blood sugar levels low and in range. I usually try to walk with a friend. Walking with someone helps keep me motivated. Diabetics should always wear identification jewelry, have comfortable shoes and socks, carry something that contains sugar, and drink water when exercising. Exercise should be avoided if blood sugars levels are higher than 300mg/dL or lower than 70 mg/dL (Managing Your Diabetes).
In order to keep in good health a diabetic must get regular check-ups. I meet with a nutritionist to help with my meal planning and other questions. Once a year I get an eye exam. High blood sugar can cause blood vessels in your eyes to break. A podiatrist should check diabetics once a year due to poor circulation and nerve damage that can happen. There is also a test that diabetics can get that helps to detect early kidney problems. It is called microalbumin, which is a urine test. Getting these check-ups could help prevent other complications from happening (Type 1 Diabetes).
If you know someone who has diabetes there is a lot you can do to help. First tell them that you are there for them. Your support means so much. Then go grocery shopping together and help make the right food choices. If possible go to their check-ups. If they do not like to talk about it there are other ways to help them. Every year there are walks for a cure. The walk for diabetes is held in Boston in October. There is a lot to learn when it comes to diabetes. Just knowing someone is there and wants to learn and help can make a world of a difference.
Sandra Pfeil
Prof. Nicole Yancus
North Shore Comm. College
Understanding Nutrition
December 17, 2004
WORKS CITED
“Diabetes: A Teaching Booklet.” Halmark Health Home Care.
“Managing Your Diabetes: Comprehensive Patient Education Program.” Eli Lilly and company, 2000.
“National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.” http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/intro/index.htm.
“Type 1 Diabetes: Balancing Insulin, Food, and Exercise Puts You In Control.” The Stay Well Company, 2001.
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