Awareness, Myths, and Links to Depression


Diabetes: by Sarah Sercombe, ARNP


it has never been more important to learn about diabetes! At the tender age of 4, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), which ultimately led to my passion for medicine and my career choice as a nurse practitioner. Living with T1D, I want to educate both adults and adolescents about the differences between T1D and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the preventative measures they can take. I love empowering diabetic individuals with information they can use to live the healthiest lives possible.


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Both Types of Diabetes are on the Rise


Diabetes has gained media attention because diagnoses of the disease have increased signifi cantly in recent history. Statistics cite that approximately 9.4% of adults over the age of 18 in the United States have Type 2 diabetes (T2D). An estimated 23.8% of adults with T2D remain undiagnosed. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the number of people with diabetes has risen from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. WHO has found that the global prevalence of diabetes among adults over 18 years of age has risen from 4.7% in 1980 to 8.5% in 2014. It appears the United States is taking a lead in this epidemic.


id you know November is Diabetes Awareness Month? As you will read,


Type 1 diabetes was once called


“juvenile onset diabetes”; however, this is no longer a medically-accurate title. More and more adults are being diagnosed with T1D. T1D is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas ceases to produce insulin, a hormone that enables the cells of the body to utilize the glucose in food for energy. In an individual with T1D, the immune system starts to attack the beta cells, which are the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Both genetic predisposition and environmental factors increase the likelihood of T1D. Signs and symptoms of T1D include increased thirst, increased urination, increased hunger, fatigue and weakness, visional changes, weight loss, a fruity odor on the breath, or labored breathing. If your child or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, please see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. T2D develops when the body becomes less sensitive and more resistant to the insulin the pancreas is producing. When this occurs, the blood glucose level rises in the body because insulin is less effective in controlling blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is more commonly seen in adults; sadly, more children and adolescents with T2D are being diagnosed. According to the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study that was founded by the CDC, from 2002-2012 the rate of T2D had risen by 4.8% in children under the age of 20. In comparison, the rate for T1D had risen by 1.2% in children. Genetics can place you at a higher risk


for developing T2D, but lifestyle factors infl uence your risk more than genetics. Lifestyle factors include: inactivity, being obese or overweight, and smoking.


The Diabetic Diet Myth Once diagnosed with T1D or T2D, a person will likely meet with a nutritionist to assist in re-evaluating his or her current diet and make appropriate changes. The typical “diabetic diet”, found during a quick online search is not always the most nutritious or advantageous for long-term health. The most common and recommended diabetic diet is rich in low-fat protein and non-starchy vegetables. Healthcare providers recommend this because these foods do not have a high carbohydrate content. The belief is that these food sources will keep the blood glucose stable and not cause sudden spikes or rises. Eating only low carbohydrate sources of proteins and vegetables may provide some short-term weight loss, but these dietary choices are not conducive to long-term health. High-quality, complex carbohydrates are often ignored but provide benefi ts to the body. It is a common myth that diabetics should not eat


The signs and symptoms of T2D are similar to T1D; however, the symptoms may occur more slowly or go unnoticed for a while. Type 2 diabetes typically develops over time. You may have heard of the pre-diabetic states of “insulin resistance” or “metabolic syndrome”. These are warning signs and can be reversed through better dietary and lifestyle habits.


If you are diabetic or know


someone who is diabetic and dealing with depression or anxiety caused from burnout, please know that you are not alone. Many individuals experience similar struggles.


November 2017 27


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