The Lancet, a British medical journal, published the results of a new global diabetes study by the World Health Organization and the Gates Foundation. According to this new study, almost 350 MILLION people worldwide now have some form of diabetes. In the US alone, close to 25 million people are currently diagnosed as diabetic. In a separate report, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that diabetes killed more Americans in 2009 than AIDS and breast cancer combined. These are sobering statistics for the parent of a diabetic child. However, the reports also raise more questions than answers... what is diabetes? what does it do? how prevalent is it really? how do you get it?
Diabetics cannot process glucose correctly. That is the simplest, and broadest, definition. Without getting into a lesson on biochemistry (because I don't want you to fall asleep before you finish reading), it does help to know a little more about how our bodies get and use energy.
Despite Dunkin' Donuts'™ ad campaign to the contrary, we actually run on glucose. When we eat starches, sugars, and other carbohydrates (including donuts), our body breaks these down into the simplest sugar - glucose. That glucose is released into the blood stream to power everything that happens in our body. Our body needs insulin to pull the glucose from the blood stream into the cells so it can be used. If we don't need all the energy right then, our body uses insulin to filter the sugar from the blood for storage in the liver or muscles, or to be converted into fat for storage.
When someone has diabetes, the body converts the sugar into glucose, and releases it into the blood stream. However, for any number of reasons, the body can't pull that glucose into the cells, nor filter it for storage. As a result, the glucose keeps building up in the blood stream. These high blood sugar levels weaken the blood vessels, damage key organs, and cause a host of complications, including death.
All diabetes are not created equal. (For that matter, it is not all created for Equal™ either.) There are actually two main forms of diabetes, named, very originally, Type 1 and Type 2. The causes, development, and treatment for each type differ greatly. Unfortunately, the end risks and complications are identical.
Type 2 diabetes is by far the more common (about 85% of cases). Often called "adult onset", it is usually diagnosed later in life (although it is happening younger and younger). In Type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin and releases it into the blood stream. However, the body has become resistant, and is unable to use the insulin correctly. While there is a genetic predisposition, Type 2 diabetes is usually lifestyle-related, and most often occurs in conjunction with poor diet, low activity, and excess body weight. Medical research has not yet determined exactly why these conditions trigger diabetes in some and not in others. In some cases, improvements in diet and exercise can eliminate almost all symptoms.
Type 1, or "juvenile" diabetes is less common (~15% of cases), and is usually diagnosed before age 18. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease; it is caused by the body turning on itself and killing of certain types of cells. Like other autoimmune diseases (hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), a genetic predisposition is triggered by some environmental factor (and NOT by lifestyle or habits). The autoimmune attack in insulin destroys the beta or eyelet cells in the pancreas, rendering the body unable to produce insulin. A Type 1 diabetic must receive insulin to survive.
Top Myths about diabetes debunked.
MYTH: Diabetes is caused by being overweight.
FACT: Many factors cause diabetes, and for Type 1, there is nothing you can do to prevent the disease. (The two year old Type 1 diabetic didn't get the disease from an all-night Skittles binge.)
MYTH: Diabetes can be "cured" by healthier living.
FACT: Healthy diet and lifestyle have a positive impact. For Type 1 diabetics however, insulin (usually injections) are absolutely required for the rest of their lives.
MYTH: Diabetics cannot eat sugar.
FACT: Diabetics aren't allergic to sugar. They can eat anything they want. The key is matching the amount of carbohydrates eaten with the amount of insulin. (My son can eat that whole bag of Halloween candy -- he just can't eat again until Thursday.)
MYTH: Diabetes is contagious.
FACT: Hanging out with diabetics can't give you the disease. In fact, diabetics that are actively managing their condition follow healthier lifestyles -- the habits might rub off, so you should look for diabetics to help you improve your health!
MYTH: Diabetics are limited in what activities they can do.
FACT: As long as they manage their disease, diabetics can do anything! Need proof? Check out the following list of people, ALL of whom have Type 1 diabetes:
- Mary Tyler Moore - Actress
- Jay Cutler - NFL Quarterback
- Bret Michaels - Lead singer for Poison
- Anne Rice - Writer
- Gary Hall, Jr - 10-time Olympic medalist (swimming)
- Nick Jonas - Musician
- Sonia Sotomayer - US Supreme Court Justice
- Crystal Bowersox - American Idol Finalist
- Adam Morrison - NBA player
- Bobby Clarke - NHL Hall-of-Famer
- Elliot Yamine - American Idol Finalist
- Victor Garbar - Actor (Alias and Titanic)
- Sean Busby - Olympic snowboarder
- Scott Verplank - PGA golfer
A personal request. There is no cure for diabetes. There are many studies researching treatment options. If you are interested, please join us in supporting the cause. You can learn more at http://www.jdrf.org In the mean time, please help to educate those around you about diabetes.
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