WHAT IS A CHRONIC DISEASE?
a chronic disease is a medical problem that lasts for a long time -- even for a lifetime
3 COMMON CHRONIC DISEASES THAT AFFECTS YOUTH* arthritis* asthma* diabetes
DIABETES
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is necessary to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of the disease is not known exactly, except that genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
2 MAJOR TYPES OF DIABETES
•TYPE 1 DIABETES
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong disease that develops when the pancreas stops producing insulin. Insulin lets blood sugar—also called glucose—enter your body''s cells, where it is used for energy. Without insulin, the amount of sugar in the blood rises above a normal level, and the cells do not get the sugar they need. Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout your body and increase your risk of eye, heart, blood vessel, nerve, and kidney diseases. If your blood sugar level becomes very high, a life-threatening chemical imbalance (diabetic ketoacidosis) can develop.
HOW IS TYPE 1 DIABETES DIAGNOSED?
a health professional diagnoses diabetes using a medical history, physical examination, and blood tests to measure glucose. Some people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes because they have diabetic ketoacidosis.
TREATMENT:
•Taking daily insulin injections or using an insulin inhaler.
•Eating a healthy diet that spreads carbohydrate throughout the day.
•Monitoring blood sugar levels at home.
•Getting exercise.
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CAN TYPE 1 DIABETES BE PREVENTED?
Currently there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes. However, studies are being done to look at ways of preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes in people who are most likely to develop the disease.
Tight control of blood sugar and blood pressure can help people with type 1 diabetes prevent or delay the development of complications, such as damage to the eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and nerves.
* TYPE 2 DIABETES
Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong disease that affects the way your body uses food for energy. The disease develops when an organ called the pancreas cannot make enough insulin or when the body is not able to use insulin correctly. Insulin is a hormone that allows the body''s cells to use sugar (glucose) for energy. Insulin also helps the body store extra sugar in muscle, fat, and liver cells.
HOW IS TYPE 2 DIABETES DIAGNOSED?
If your doctor thinks that you have type 2 diabetes, he or she will ask you questions about your medical history, do a physical exam, and order a blood glucose test. A blood glucose test is a blood test that measures the amount of sugar in your blood. The test is usually done first thing in the morning, before you eat or drink anything.
TREATMENT:
•Eat more foods that are good for you
•Exercise regularly
•Check your blood sugar level
•Take medicines
CAN TYPE 2 DIABETES BE PREVENTED?
If you are at risk for type 2 diabetes or if you have a condition called prediabetes—when your blood sugar levels are above normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes—you may be able to prevent or delay the disease by exercising regularly and changing the way you eat. Often, people who develop type 2 diabetes are overweight and not physically active. By losing as few as 10 or 20 pounds, you can reduce your chances of developing diabetes.
SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES
•Excessive urination
•Constant thirst
•The need to urinate more than usual
•Constant thirst
•Unusual weight loss
•Feeling weak or tired
•Blurred vision
•Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
•Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
•Frequent and recurring infections such as urinary tract infections, boils and fungus
•Difficulty with erections in men, and unusual vaginal dryness in women
•Extreme hunger
•Feeling nauseated and vomiting
