CVD Greatness

#CVDAwareness

Learn the true meaning of Diabetes

Diabetes can affect everyone. It can affect your family, friends, and even YOU! Being able to know what Diabetes is and knowing the risk factors, will help YOU be healthier!

Diabetes can affect anyone. It is not specific to any race, gender, or age. Diabetes is a disease where the body does not produce enough Insulin or does not use the Insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the Pancreas. It is important that our body creates and uses Insulin because it makes it easier for our body to use sugar (Glucose) as energy. There are 3 types of Diabetes:

1) Diabetes Type 1

  •  Also known as Juvenile Diabetes or Insulin-Dependent Diabetes
  •  Your own body attacks the cells that produce Insulin
  • The lifestyle that one lives does not produce Diabetes Type 1. Yet, living a healthy lifestyle can alleviate some of the symptoms. 
  • Body still breaks down food into Glucose, or Blood sugar. 
  • There is no Insulin to allow a pathway into the cells. 
  • Will need to use Insulin Injections.
  •  Symptoms of Diabetes Type 1 are Frequent Urination, Frequent Thirst, drastic weight loss, and tiredness. 
 2) Diabetes Type 2
  •  It is the most common type of Diabetes.
  •  Also known as Adult Onset Diabetes.
  •  The type of lifestyle DOES impact the outcome of this disease. 
  • Insulin is produced, but either it is not used adequately or there is not enough Insulin.
  • Can be managed by Diet and physical activity. 
  • Can also be managed by oral medications, but it can also lead to medication injections. 
  •  Symptoms of Diabetes Type 2 are increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. 
3) Gestational Diabetes (Diabetes during Pregnancy)
  •  Develops during pregnancy
  •  Those who have Gestational Diabetes are at a higher risk of Diabetes Type 2. 
  • In most cases, there are no symptoms. 
  •  Women who do not take care of their Diabetes during pregnancy could lead to a bigger baby than the average size, needing C-section (Cesarean) to deliver the child, High Blood Pressure, and/or Low Blood sugar.
To know more about Diabetes, please check out these educational YouTube Videos: 

How can We Help each other?

It is important to be there for each other. Calling your friends, family, doctors, and anyone else will allow them to keep you accountable. Having a support system goes a long way. 

Have you ever had a family member or a friend that was recently diagnosed with Diabetes? Have you noticed them or someone else check their sugar levels either secretively or openly? If so, you may feel like you want to say something to them. You may want to congratulate them for being responsible with their health, or maybe tell the a better way on how to manage their Diabetes. Yet, you do not know how. Therefore, how can you be a better serve them? Also, why are support groups important? 

First, I would like to say that support groups are crucial to the physical, emotional, and psychosocial wellness of the Diabetic. Support groups provide that feeling of “I am here for you because I also have Diabetes”. This feeling lets others know that they are not alone. Knowing that are individuals deal with Diabetes makes the diseases more comfortable to deal with, even though it can be hard sometimes. Those that are in your support groups does not specifically have to be others with Diabetes. It can be your spouse, children, siblings, coworkers, and/or parents. Just make sure that they are trustworthy and individuals that are willing to keep it confidential.

Support groups can also provide the emotional support that everyone needs. Having individuals know what you are dealing with, can help you “lift the weight off of your shoulders”. You can talk to them about how you are feeling, and as a support group member, they should be willing to listen to you. Talking to a member in your support group, can lead to your happiness. Do not be shy and/or scared to tell them what you are going through. You want to build the personal connection. 

Diabetes support groups are beneficial because they can provide education and awareness. Sometimes going to the doctor does not work for you because they use language that you do not understand. Yet, these support groups are made with the intention to speak to you with common terms. You will be able to ask the groups any Diabetes related questions. Therefore, make sure you remember or write these questions down so you can ask them. The support groups can talk to you more and in-depth of what we have discussed throughout the entire program. Do not feel ashamed to reach out.

Additional Resources and videos:

 

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