Our population is under attack. About 20 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus, the fifth-leading cause of death in this country. If left untreated or treated improperly, Diabetes Mellitus can lead to numerous complications such as neuropathies, blindness, renal failure, cardiovascular problems and leg amputations.
An overview Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by increased levels of glucose in the blood resulting from defects in the insulin secretion, insulin action or both.
There are two types of Diabetes Mellitus: Type 1 is an autoimmune process where patients produce little or no insulin and therefore are insulin dependent for life due to genetics or environmental factors. Whereas patients with type 2 have a decreased ability to use what insulin they produce (insulin resistance). A big difference between the two types is that type 2 diabetes is preventable, while type 1 is unpreventable. With knowledge of predisposing risk factors and proper lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, you can prevent type 2 diabetes.
Predisposing factors, signs and symptoms
The first step in awareness is realizing the predisposing factors which include high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, heredity, and sedentary lifestyle. If you have one or a few of these, look for the common symptoms of diabetes. Some of the more common symptoms include increased blood sugar levels, frequent urination, excessive thirst, and excessive hunger. These are also accompanied with blurred vision, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, dry mouth and also “fruity” smelling breath. Noticing these signs and symptoms early, and seeking immediate health care, will help to prevent serious complications, and will make it easier to manage your diabetes.
Managing type 2 diabetes
Incorporating healthy eating habits and daily exercise concurrently is the key to managing type 2 diabetes. Dietary changes that should be made include the following: Preparing healthier meals with reducing and keeping track of daily calories, increasing fiber, reducing fat intake, decreasing processed sugars in diet such as cookies, desserts, jams, juices from concentrate, soda, and honey and portion control according to serving size. Exercise also needs to be factored in along with dietary changes. There needs to be at least 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, which is about 20 minutes a day. This can include brisk walking, swimming or bicycle riding. With diet and exercise, one should try to reduce body weight by 7 percent at a rate of 1-2 lbs a week. By incorporating these changes, it can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 58 percent.
In Western New York, type 2 diabetes has become an epidemic. Early detection is the most important part of prevention of this disease. If you have any questions or concerns, refer to the American Diabetes Association in Erie County at 315 Alberta Dr., Suite 102, Amherst, NY 14226 (716) 835-0274 or the Diabetes Self-Management Education Program at Mount St. Mary’s & Health Center in Niagara County at 5300 Military Rd. Lewiston, NY 14092 (716) 298-2297.
Chad Israel, Jessica Farr, Megan Metzger, Lisa Batt and Sarah Schnegenburger are Niagara County Community College nursing students.
Columns
GUEST VIEW: Protect yourself from Diabetes Mellitus starting now
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PFEIFFER: Something that really 'bugs' me
Who would ever think that roaches, as in cockroaches, not your left-over weed, and valentines are a good match?
As the greatest Hallmark holiday ever created looms large, my friends at the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Bronx Zoo have concocted a Valentines Day fundraising promotion that just makes you want to say, “Really?” -
HAMILTON: The SPCA and the pineapple upside-down pie
It is said that, as free Americans, we often get the things for which we ask; we also often get exactly what we deserve. Sometimes it works out to our good, and sometimes it doesn’t.
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GLYNN: Slim chance now for a real thick ice bridge
If you’re not convinced about the unpredictability of Western New York weather, consider that this area was experiencing temperatures in the mid-40s on the 100th anniversary of the ice bridge tragedy in the gorge.
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BRADBERRY: Is Black History Month Still Relevant?
I am uncomfortably recovering and slowly recuperating from a relatively minor, but medically necessary procedure which has kept me out of circulation, out of touch and essentially on my back for a lot longer than I have personally believed was justifiable; however, in this case my opinion matters not; the doctor’s diagnosis and promising prognosis trumped mine, so here I lay almost completely befuddled, nearly unable to pen a clear sentence.
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CONFER: Time to end the NFL’s blackout rule
Long ago, in a much simpler time, ticket sales accounted for the majority of revenues for professional football teams.
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CITY BEAT: Stuck on traffic
Sometimes I feel like the traffic signal reporter in Niagara Falls.
Traffic signals have been making a lot of news around here lately. There’s the whole flap about what to do to improve public safety near the Como Restaurant in the 2200 block of Pine Avenue. -
HIGGS: Discussing crime and punishment in the Falls
Have to take a detour off Pine Avenue in 1956 this week to report on an event held by the Niagara Falls Block Club Council for its member clubs and other interested citizens.
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GLYNN: Hotel Niagara plan exciting for the Falls
It all sounds like a re-run of a TV program you’ve seen a dozen times. This time, however, there is every reason to believe that the landmark Hotel Niagara on Rainbow Boulevard will be restored to the splendid atmosphere that guests enjoyed for decades.
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HAMILTON: BOE and kids, or the SPCA dogs?
There is example after example of otherwise qualified Niagara Falls’ board of education members and staffers lending their time and efforts to organizations outside of the school district’s core business.
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GLYNN: Trust in SPCA shelter must be restored
Stories about the operations at the Niagara SPCA shelter shape the image of sickening and disgusting treatment of animals.
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