26
million is a staggering number to think about. Especially when approximately 26
million children and adults in the United States currently have diabetes. Every November, American Diabetes Month takes
place in an effort to focus on the issues that surround diabetes and the many
people who may be impacted by the disease. The vision of the American Diabetes
Association is for everyone to live free of diabetes and its burdens. As Registered
Dietitians and Registered Dietitians to be, our visions certainly replicate
that of the American Diabetes Association. The vision shouldn’t end there.
Friends and families of those impacted by the disease who are not in
healthcare, certainly have a valuable role as supporters and encouragers.
Teamwork is the Achilles tendon for diabetes.
Types
of Diabetes
1. Type
1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune
disease is characterized when your body’s immune system, turns against a part
of your body. In Type 1 Diabetes, your immune system destroys your insulin
producing cells, the beta cells, in the pancreas. Meaning the pancreas is no
longer able to make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use or
store the blood glucose it gets from the food you consume. Type 1 diabetes
accounts for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes in America. (American
Diabetes Association, 2011).
2. Type
2 Diabetes occurs when your body cannot properly
utilize your body’s insulin, better known as insulin resistance. Meaning, your
body does not produce enough insulin or your cells ignore the insulin it
produces. Initially, your body makes too much insulin. But, as the disease
progress, your body isn’t able to keep up with the extra insulin produced by
your pancreas to keep your blood glucose – sugar – levels normal. Type 2
diabetes accounts for 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes in America.
(American Diabetes Association, 2011).
3. Gestational
Diabetes is diagnosed in some women during
pregnancy – more commonly around the 24th week. Gestational diabetes
like other types of the disease, affect how your cells utilize sugar. This
causes hyperglycemia – high blood sugar – that can affect both your pregnancy
and your baby’s health. However, expecting mothers can control the disease
through healthy dietary habits and exercise. Gestational diabetes is estimated
to affect 18 % of all pregnancies in America. (American Diabetes Association,
2011).
* Talk with your Registered
Dietitian and Physician to learn more about the treatments and preventive
measures of diabetes.
Get Involved
·
Many practicing Registered Dietitians
are Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE). A CDE is a heath professional who has
both knowledge and experience in prediabetes, diabetes, prevention, and management
of the disease. They can help educate you on self-management and behavioral
treatment goals in order to optimize health outcomes.
·
Some Registered Dietitians also partake in
teaching diabetic cooking classes. These classes are great resources to help
you learn to create meal plans that work with your schedule and keeps your
weight on tract.
·
World Diabetes Day is November 14th.
You can participate! If you would like to join others in recognizing this day,
you can find information on the events for World Diabetes Day on http://www.idf.org/worlddiabetesday.
·
In today’s world, resources are endless!
You can find great information on the topic of diabetes through the American
Diabetes Association. The site posts informative fact sheets and statistics
that you can share with family and friends. www.diabetes.org
·
Social media is a great tool to get
involved. Facebook provides a plethora of awareness pages. Just search diabetes
awareness and get connected.
·
Just walk! You can get physically active
in Diabetes Awareness Walks. Many cities organize events during the month of
November in order to raise funds for diabetes awareness and research. Check it
out here! http://stepout.diabetes.org/site/PageServer?pagename=OUT_homepage
·
An awesome event to get involved in is
The Big Blue Test. It involves getting your blood sugar tested between now and
World Diabetes Day, then exercising and testing your blood sugar again. Then
share your results on www.bigbluetest.org.
For each blood sugar entered, a donation is made to people living with diabetes
who are in need for possible supplies or resources.
·
Finally check out www.eatright.org. There are endless
resources on nutrition, food, and of course information on American Diabetes
Month.
About the Writer
Gavin Van De Walle is an ISSA Certified Fitness
Trainer, a NANBF Natural Competitive bodybuilder, and a dietetic student at
South Dakota State University. Following graduation, Gavin will pursue his
Ph.D. in nutritional sciences while aiming to make a positive impact on the
over well-being and nutritional status of the American people along the way.
Works Cited
"Big Blue Test." Big Blue Test. Web.
03 Nov. 2013.
"Diabetes Basics." Diabetes Statistics.
Web. 03 Nov. 2013.
"Diabetes Basics." Gestational Diabetes.
Web. 03 Nov. 2013.
"Diabetes Basics." Type 1. Web. 03
Nov. 2013.
"Diabetes Basics." Type 2. Web. 03
Nov. 2013.
"| International Diabetes Federation." |
International Diabetes Federation. Web. 03 Nov. 2013.
