Because I had gestational diabetes I might get diabetes when Im older
This is true. Gestational diabetes is a temporary form of insulin resistance that usually reveals itself about halfway through the pregnancy. This is when the hormones of pregnancy normally create extra insulin resistance. Most women are able to overcome this extra resistance to insulin. However, for women with gestational diabetes, either their pancreas is not able to make the additional insulin that is needed or their body's cells become less efficient at taking up glucose from the blood....
Causes of Type Diabetes
Insulin is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. In people with type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly destroys these cells. The body responds to the beta cells as if they were foreign invaders. This is called an autoimmune response. Autoimmune responses also occur in other diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and thyroid diseases such as hypothy-roidism Hashimoto's disease and hyperthyroidism Graves' disease . Researchers do not know exactly why this happens. But for...
The Importance of Communication
To work together as a team, you must be able to communicate with your fellow health care team members. It's not always easy to communicate, especially when you're feeling nervous, worried, or under pressure. Sometimes people can feel intimidated by health care professionals. However, just remember that they are there to help you. But to best help you, they need to know what is on your mind. Only you can tell them how you are feeling and what special concerns you might have. Here are a few tips...
Vitamins and Minerals
People with diabetes have the same requirements for vitamins and minerals as people without diabetes. If you are eating a variety of foods, rich in vegetables, fruits, cereals, and grains, then you are most likely getting all the vitamins and minerals you need. The one exception may be the need for calcium to prevent osteoporosis. Large doses of micronutrients have not been shown to help diabetes or blood glucose levels. In fact, large doses of some vitamins can be harmful. If you think you may...
Oral diabetes medications or oral hyperglycemic medications
Medications taken orally that are designed to manage blood glucose levels. They are used by some people with type 2 diabetes and are not to be confused with insulin. Pancreas A comma-shaped gland located just behind the stomach. It produces enzymes for digesting food and hormones that regulate the use of fuel in the body, including insulin and glucagon. In a fully functioning pancreas, insulin is produced and released through special cells beta cells located in clusters called islets of...
Prevention of Type Diabetes 1
The best way to prevent type 2 diabetes is to maintain an active lifestyle and to keep your weight at a healthy level. In the Diabetes Prevention Program DPP study, researchers tested whether changing lifestyle habits or taking the oral diabetes medication metformin Glucophage could delay or prevent the onset of diabetes in people at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The study evaluated 3,234 volunteers who were overweight and had impaired glucose tolerance IGT . IGT or pre-diabetes is...
Driving and Operating Heavy Equipment
If you operate heavy equipment, if you are involved in public safety jobs like law enforcement or firefighting, or even if you drive an automobile, it is important to always be aware of your blood glucose levels. This is especially important for people who take insulin or oral medications that can cause a low blood glucose reaction. A low blood glucose reaction in these situations can result in serious injury to yourself and others and can have serious employment consequences. Federal law...
Work Schedules
You may have an easier time managing your diabetes if you have a regular work schedule. But if your job entails working the late shift or traveling all over the globe, diabetes doesn't have to keep you from pursuing it. Most people can make the necessary adjustments with help from their health care team. If your employer or prospective employer questions your ability to manage a job with irregular work hours, explain to them how you are able to manage your diabetes. Emphasize that you are in...