Diabetes

The Signs of Diabetes

Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Still experts estimate one-third of the 16 million Americans with the disease don't event know they have it. Here are some things to watch for:

• frequent urination
• extreme thirst
• unexplained weight loss
• blurry vision that changes daily
• persistent feelings of fatigue or drowsiness
• tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• frequent or recurring skin, gum or bladder infections
• losing weight unintentionally

You may be at a higher risk for diabetes if:

• you're age 45 and older
• your parent, brother or sister has diabetes
• you had a baby that weighed more than nine pounds
• you're African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian or Pacific Islander

Your doctor should measure the blood sugar in the fasting state once a year, even if you are well; check your blood fats once a year; and take your blood pressure.

People with impaired glucose tolerance/fasting hyperglucaemia are more likely to develop hardening of the arteries. It is therefore very important that you watch your weight and try and lose some if you are overweight, take plenty of exercise, cut down on the fatty foods in your diet and don't smoke.

If you are concerned about your diet, ask your doctor to refer you to a state registered dietician.

It may be possible to prevent diabetes and heart disease developing by living a healthy lifestyle, in particular by taking more regular physical activity.

Diet is the cornerstone of treatment:

• Eat regular meals
• Eat high fiber starchy foods like wholemeal and wholegrain breads and cereals
• Cut down on the amount of fat you eat, particularly animal fats. Use less butter, margarine, cheese and fatty meats. Change to non-fat milk or yoghurt. Grill, steam or ovenbake, rather than fry. When using oil, use olive oil. Eat fewer pies and pastries, crisps, nuts, biscuits and cakes.
• Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables and limit unsweetened fruit juice to one small 6 oz. glass per day
• Avoid sugary drinks
• Try using artificial sweeteners instead of sugar
• Use less salt. Try flavoring with herbs and spices.
• Limit alcohol. Alcohol can cause glucose to rise and then fall, leading to hypoglycaemia
• Quit smoking. It lowers the risk of heart disease.

Managing Diabetes

The Diabetes Self-Management Training Program helps patients with diabetes manage their disease by offering assessments, education, individualized training and treatment plans, and support. Education is offered both one-on-one or on a group basis, and provides instruction on:

• The disease process
• Blood glucose monitoring
• Medications
• Insulin injection technique
• Lifestyle management skills
• Nutrition
• Activity guidelines
• Physical, emotional and environmental stressors that affect blood glucose

Torrance Memorial's Diabetes Self-Management Training Program is certified by the American Diabetes Association and staffed by certified diabetes educators who are either registered nurses or dietitians. The program is operational Monday through Saturday and instruction can be provided in Spanish, Korean and Japanese. Individual sessions can be arranged on an appointment basis. Patients and their loved ones may self-refer to the program, and program staff will arrange for a physician referral. The Diabetes Self-Management Training Program is located on the fifth floor of the West Tower. For more information or an appointment, call (310) 784-3792.

Resources

More diabetes information

American Diabetes Association