Spirit Lake Consulting, Inc. 's Virtual Library

DIABETES

WHAT IS DIABETES? -- SOME QUICK FACTS

Diabetes is disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. When food is digested, a sugar called glucose enters the bloodstream.The pancreas makes insulin. The body uses insulin is to move glucose from the bloodstream into muscle, fat, and liver cells, where it can be used as fuel. Without insulin, sugar - the body’s main energy source – builds up in the blood.

As a result, people with diabetes have high level of sugar in their blood.

There is no cure for diabetes.

TYPES OF DIABETES

About 90-95% (16 million) of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes, which usually occurs in adulthood. With the number of older Americans increasing, more obesity and less exercise, the number of people with Type 2 diabetes is increasing.

Two other types of diabetes are:

• Type I, which usually occurs in childhood. The body makes so little insulin, that daily

injections of insulin are needed.

• Gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes.
  

TREATMENT FOR DIABETES

Although diabetes cannot be cured, it can be treated. With family support, daily care and treatment, you can lead a healthy, active and fun-filled life.

A good diabetes treatment plan includes:

• Eating healthy and on schedule.
• Checking blood sugar levels regularly.
• Adjusting insulin as blood sugar levels and activities warrant.
• Exercising regularly.”
  

You can get much more information from the Diabetes Fitness Program located in the white trailers behind the Spirit Lake JOBS Program Building.
Or call (701) 766-4334 (program) OR (701) 766-1710 (fitness center)

Did you know that:

• Exercise can reduce your need for insulin? Exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are very important for people with diabetes. Two pages related to exercise and disability can be found here:
  
  • Exercise web page
  • Article on elders and exercise
    

• Diabetes DOUBLES your chances of having depression?
  • Click here to learn more about depression.

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