HealthMatters magazine
House call
Edited By Robert S. Benchley
Diabetes by the Numbers
Swimming is just one activity to try.
ANSWERS TO SOME COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT DIABETES FROM BEE ROSELL, DIRECTOR OF LIBERTY MEDICAL'S DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.
Q. It seems like so many people have diabetes today. What are the real numbers?
A. Approximately 1.5 million people over the age of 20 were diagnosed with diabetes in 2005. In total, an estimated 20.8 million Americans — 7 percent of the population — have diabetes. Of these, 14.6 million have been diagnosed and an estimated 6.2 million remain unaware of their condition. In 2002, 54 million American adults had a condition called pre-diabetes. This occurs when the blood glucose level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be termed diabetes. The good news is that a diabetes diagnosis is not inevitable. Studies have shown that people with pre-diabetes who lose weight and increase their physical activity can prevent or delay diabetes, and even bring their blood glucose levels back to normal.
Q. I have diabetes. What are my own numbers that I should be aware of?
A. Know your ABCs. Focus on the numbers that can affect your health. To reduce diabetes complications, such as heart attacks and strokes, the American Diabetes Association recommends the following:
- A1c: A three month blood glucose average test that can monitor development and progression of eye, kidney and nerve damage. Target: < 7%.
- Blood Pressure: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is associated with heart attacks and strokes. Target: < 130/80.
- Cholesterol: Imbalanced cholesterol, often caused by diet, is associated with heart disease and heart attacks. Targets: < 100mg/dl for LDL for men and women; > 40mg/ dl for men and > 50 mg/dl for females for HDL.
Q. If my blood glucose number is so important, how do I control it?
A. Using what I call the "4 Ms" — medication, movement, meal planning and monitoring — can be very effective in controlling blood glucose levels. Medication and movement typically lower blood glucose, while meal planning helps you limit carbohydrates that tend to raise blood glucose. Monitoring helps you answer questions like: Do I need a snack? Can I safely exercise? Can I go to sleep without experiencing low blood glucose? Balancing medications, moving and meal planning with blood glucose monitoring will help you achieve your target regularly. Discuss the "4 Ms" with your doctor, and ask if meeting with a certified diabetes educator may be helpful in managing your diabetes. Controlled blood glucose helps reduce the risks of developing long-term complications. HM