By Merville C. Marshall, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E.

According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), as of 2005, 20.8 million people in the United States, or 7 percent of the population, have diabetes.Out of those, 14.6 million people are diagnosed, leaving 6.2 million people unaware they have the disease.

Diabetes occurs because cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not properly use insulin, a hormone that converts sugar, known as glucose, into energy. While many people are aware of diabetes, they may be unaware of complications associated with high “sugar levels,” such as blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, and nerve problems that can lead to amputation. According to NDIC, in 2002, diabetes was the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Children and Diabetes

If your child has diabetes, it most likely means that her/his body’s immune system is destroying cells that make insulin. As a result, the child will require daily insulin injections. This form of diabetes is known as “Type 1” or juvenile onset diabetes, because it occurs most often in children.

As a parent and caregiver, it’s important for you to work closely with your doctor to understand your child’s treatment plan. Children with Type 1 diabetes are physically active and enjoy full lives. Children are incredibly resilient and you will be surprised at how well they adjust to eventually self-administering insulin shots and testing their blood glucose level. As a caregiver, it’s also important that you help ensure your child maintains a healthy diet and stays active.   

Keep in mind that “Type 2” diabetes, which is usually associated with adults, has become prevalent among obese children and teenagers.  In this instance, oral medications are often sufficient, instead of insulin therapy. Check with your healthcare provider to see which diabetes treatment he or she recommends.

Caring for Adults with Diabetes

Most adults diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. In the case of Type 2 diabetes, the body is producing insulin, but does not use the insulin in the right way.  African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and Asian Americans are more likely to develop diabetes than other ethnic groups.

Diabetes and Exercise

Because obesity is a leading risk factor for developing diabetes, you should provide support to your loved one that helps her/him reach and maintain a healthy weight. If your loved one already has diabetes, exercise can help manage some of the symptoms, prevent weight gain, and help your loved one stay healthy.

Physical activity is good at any age. For those with diabetes, it is especially beneficial. Physical activity can assist with weight loss, increase energy, lower the blood sugar level, and help your loved one feel that s/he is doing something positive to control the disease. As little as 30 minutes of moderate activity each day can help your loved one stay healthy!  Choose activities you both enjoy, such as:

• Early evening or morning walks (or both!)
• Riding bikes
• Playing golf and walking the course
• Gardening
• Mall walking
• Stretching or yoga

Diabetes-Friendly Healthy Meals

Here are some suggestions for preparing healthy meals—low in fat and calories—for diabetic patients and the rest of the family:

• Start by introducing more fruits and vegetables into each meal
• Look for healthier ways to prepare recipes; consider substituting olive oil for other fats, and use lean cuts of meat
• Re-consider portion sizes of foods—a  “healthy portion or serving” is approximately the size of a deck of cards
• Encourage your loved one to eat the same amount of food at the same time each day. This can help stabilize blood sugar
• Consider preparing smaller meals more often, rather than have 3 larger meals each day
• Add fish to the diet, at least two to three times each week
• Use smaller plates, so it “appears” as if there is more food on the plate

Diabetes Tests

Your loved one’s diabetes control should be assessed regularly using two standard tests:

• -A hemoglobin A1c test is performed by a health professional and reflects the average blood sugar levels over the past three months. This test should be done at least twice a year.  The goal is to have a hemoglobin result of less than 7.0 percent.
• A “finger stick test” may be self-administered or administered by the caregiver several times a day. Ask your loved one’s doctor how many times each day this test should be performed. This test indicates how food, activity, and medicines affect the patient’s blood sugar.  

Be sure your loved one uses both tests to help manage and control his or her diabetes. Even if the finger stick test is done daily, it’s still necessary to do a hemoglobin test to have a complete picture of how well her/his blood sugar is being controlled.

Encourage Regular Check-ups

Regularly scheduled check-ups can help detect physical problems before they become serious.  If you are able, accompany your loved one on medical appointments and take a checklist of topics to discuss with the doctor. Be certain the doctor checks the patient’s bare feet for any signs of nerve damage or infection.

Diabetes can also cause vision problems and blindness, so schedule an annual appointment with eye doctor. And don’t forget the dentist. Gum disease is more common in people with diabetes.  As a caregiver, you can help the one you love stay as healthy as possible by taking a proactive approach to health. 

For more information about diabetes and caring for your loved one, visit:

www.diabetes.org                               

www.blackhealthcare.com                  

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse En Espanol

Diabetes.org Programs for Native Americans

Children with Diabetes

www.lifescan.com

www.OneTouchGold.com

www.Splenda.com

www.animascorp.com