Many people believe diabetes is just about managing sugars. It is a common myth accepted by society, according to Ieva Fraser, manager of the chronic diseases program and medicine clinic for the Southlake Regional Heath Centre. It is believed by many, a person diagnosed with diabetes, a chronic health condition where the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin in order to break down sugar properly, has only to control sugar intake.
“Diabetes can affect the entire body,” Ms Fraser explained. “Including the eyes, kidneys, nerves and cardio-vascular system.”
“It is about individual self-management of your entire lifestyle,” she added. “Every change a person makes influences the amount of medication a person takes and the type of diet a person must follow.”
The diabetes education centre (DEC) is devoted to providing education for adults living with types 1 and 2 diabetes, prediabetes, gestational diabetes, and those who have existing diabetes and become pregnant. Both essential information and necessary coaching is offered to assist individuals in making lifestyle changes to create a state of stabilization in the body. In turn, long-term complications associated with diabetes are prevented or delayed.
Two endocrinologists and an acute care nurse practitioner specializing in diabetes are an integral part of the DEC team. Additionally, in 2006, the DEC received two funding increases from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, allowing the facility to create new programming and acquire more staff. Thus, the DEC expanded its registered nurses and registered dietitians to a total of seven teams. The DEC also has a pharmacist, social worker, kinesiologist and a chiropodist (foot care specialist) to help address all aspects of diabetes self management.
Once referred to the DEC, an individual will have an assessment appointment with both a registered nurse and a registered dietitian, and be encouraged to participate in group sessions and follow-up to learn diabetes self-care in order to maintain overall health and well-being.
Group programs, in the form of three-hour modules, help patients understand the importance of lifestyle changes including diet, exercise and stress management, and enable empowerment for positive outcomes. Through a series of consultations, personal goals are set according to the individual’s specific situation, and are reviewed and revised accordingly. Follow up sessions help the individuals realize their progress through the customized program.
“The impetus for the increased funding and ensuing programming changes is due to the number of people being diagnosed with diabetes,” said clinical co-ordinator of the DEC and nursing PhD candidate Ruth Doherty. “Diabetes is at epidemic proportions in Western society.” Over 2.25 million people worldwide have diabetes with over 680,000 diagnosed in Ontario alone. For every individual diagnosed with the disease, another may have diabetes and is unaware.
Type 1 diabetes, which accounts for 10 per cent of the cases, is an auto immune disorder with unknown etiology, and is not preventable. Type 2 diabetes, accounting for 90 per cent of cases, is largely preventable and controllable through lifestyle modifications of two known risk factors, obesity and inactivity.
To screen for diabetes, an individual is tested for blood glucose level. Most often, a fasting blood glucose test is conducted, but may also be tested by performing what is called an oral glucose tolerance test. The results can find the blood glucose to be in the normal, prediabetes or diabetes range.
“It is so important that people at risk for diabetes be screened so we can help people make necessary lifestyle interventions to possibly prevent the disease,” Ms Doherty said. “It is also important to note that many who have undiagnosed diabetes may believe the associated symptoms are related to other factors, due to its insidious nature.”
Symptoms of hyperglycemia, or elevated blood glucose, may include increased thirst, fatigue, excessive urination, blurred vision, changes in appetite, or dry, itchy skin. Other symptoms associated with elevated glucose may be wounds that are slow to heal and persistent infections, such as bladder and yeast. People may experience one or some of these symptoms.
Risk factors for the development of diabetes are listed, and if you have more than one risk factor, annual screening should be performed by a family physician. Remember early detection may lead to the prevention of diabetes, which is associated with debilitating, life-threatening complications. For more information about the diabetes education centre visit www.southlakeregional.org. For more information visit the Canadian Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.ca.