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The VNA Answer Nurse is a monthly column appearing in The Barefoot Tattler newspaper. To submit a question, write or call: The VNA Answer Nurse, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960, 772.978.5636, or e-mail answernurse@vnatc.com.
Diane Cerny is a registered nurse with more than 20 years of health care experience in pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, internal medicine, dermatology and allergy treatment. As the VNA's Community Education Nurse, Cerny performs blood pressure and blood sugar screenings throughout Brevard and Indian River counties.
Questions & Answers
Q—What is diabetes?
A— Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose, the form of sugar in the blood. After digestion, glucose passes into the bloodstream where it is used by cells for growth and energy. For glucose to enter cells, insulin must be present.
In people with diabetes, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced. Glucose builds up in the blood, overflows into the urine, and passes out of the body. Thus, the body loses its main source of fuel even though the blood contains large amounts of glucose.
Complications from diabetes can include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye complications, nerve damage, foot problems, and wound-healing issues.
Q—Are there different types of diabetes?
A—Yes, there 3 main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults whose bodies do not produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Unlike type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes produce insulin but it is either not enough or the body is unable to recognize the insulin and use it properly. This is called insulin resistance.
Gestational Diabetes develops only during pregnancy. However, women who have had gestational diabetes have a 20 to 50 percent chance of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years after pregnancy.
Q—What are the symptoms associated with diabetes?
A—Type 1 diabetes symptoms usually develop over a short period and can include increased thirst and urination, constant hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, and extreme fatigue.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms develop gradually. Their onset is not as sudden as in type 1 diabetes. Symptoms may include fatigue or nausea, frequent urination, unusual thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, frequent infections, and slow healing of wounds or sores. Some people have no symptoms.
Be sure to ask your doctor test your blood glucose levels should you experience any of these symptoms.
Q—Are there risk factors associated with developing diabetes?
A—There are 20.8 million children and adults in the US with diabetes -- and nearly one-third of them (or 6.2 million people) are not aware of their illness. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Having a family history of diabetes, and being overweight and/or physically inactive can contribute to the development of diabetes. Diabetes risk also increases with age.
Q—Where can I learn more about preventing and managing diabetes?
A—The Visiting Nurse Association and the Wound Healing Center at Indian River Medical Center will host a diabetes seminar on March 7 from 1-4 p.m. at Captain Hiram’s in Sebastian. To make your reservation, call the Wound Healing Center at 563-4625.
The VNA also offers no-cost monthly health screenings. Please visit www.vnatc.com for screenings in your area. For more information on diabetes, you may also visit the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.
