Diabetes Care

Three Major Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked and destroyed them. Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes taking insulin shots or using an insulin pump, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, and taking aspirin daily-for some.

Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset or non-insulindependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. People can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which fat, muscle, and liver cells do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals. People who are overweight and inactive are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Treatment includes taking diabetes medicines, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, and taking aspirin daily (for some).

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Some women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had gestational diabetes is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin.

Some of the Key Risk Factors for Diabetes

• Obesity – being overweight puts you at risk
• Age – as we get older we are more at risk of developing diabetes
• Family History – having a parent, brother or sister with diabetes increases your chance
• Cultural/ethnic background – diabetes frequently occurs more in some ethnic groups, including African American and Hispanic/Latino
• Bad dietary habits – routinely eating food high in cholesterol, sodium and unhealthy fats
• Lack of physical activity – exercising fewer than three times a week
• High blood pressure and/or high “bad” cholesterol – these risks are shared for cardiovascular disease, which itself is a risk factor for diabetes.
• Having had gestational diabetes, or giving birth to at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS (women only)
• Having impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)
• Other clinical conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as a condition called acanthosis nigricans, characterized by a dark, velvety rash around neck or armpits

Diabetes is serious. Health problems caused by diabetes can include:

• Heart attack and stroke
• Eye problems that can lead to trouble seeing or going blind
• Nerve damage that can cause your hands and feet to hurt, tingle, or feel numb. Some people may even lose a foot or a leg.
• Kidney problems that can cause your kidneys to stop working
• Gum disease and loss of teeth

Diabetes Control is Important

Our clinical team at UTMB Health and the Stark Diabetes Center works together to treat the entire patient and all these issues. Your care team might include a cardiologist, ophthalmologist, neurologist or other specialists who can help diagnose, treat and revent any problems that may develop from diabetes.

Treatment & Prevention

Treatment for diabetes varies depending on the type and severity of the illness. Approaches  might include a combination of taking diabetes medicines, taking insulin shots or using an insulin pump, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, and/or taking aspirin daily (for some).

One key element of successfully managing the disease is to see your Stark Diabetes doctor on a regular basis. He or she can perform tests and provide the best treatment plan for your care. You should also consult with your doctor or nutritionist to set up a diet plan, and take your medication only as prescribed.

How can I reduce my risk?

You can do a lot to lower your chances of getting diabetes. First, learn about the disease. Then, exercising regularly, reducing fat and calorie intake, and losing a little weight can help you reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels also helps you stay healthy.

Education

Group Education classes are held at the League City location. This is a structured multi-day class that covers the following topics: Diabetes Disease Process; Nutritional Management; Physical Activity; Medications; Blood Glucose Monitoring; Preventing, Detecting and Treating both Acute and Chronic Complications; Psychosocial Issues and Concerns; Health Promotion and Behavior Change. A referral is required from your provider before your class can be scheduled.

Nutritional Counseling

Individual Nutritional Counseling is available in Friendswood, Galveston and League City. A referral from your provider is required before it can be scheduled.

ADA information on Affordable Care Act

The American Diabetes Association is offering information about the Affordable Care Act to help individuals affected by diabetes get insurance that best meets their needs. Two new documents are designed to help families understand insurance marketplaces and the upcoming changes in health insurance rules related to diabetes. These documents are also available in Spanish.

“The Health Insurance Marketplace and People with Diabetes”, is a list of frequently asked questions about the new Health Insurance Marketplace opening in your state on October 1st. If you or anyone you know is uninsured or shopping for new coverage—or simply wants to explore other insurance options—this document will help you learn more about Marketplaces. The American Diabetes Association does not recommend specific health plans, but wants to provide you with an understanding of the new Marketplaces and link you to available resources for assistance.

The American Diabetes Association’s new  “Health Insurance Update: Protections for People with Diabetes” provides information on changes to health insurance rules which impact people with diabetes, including changes that are already in effect and some starting on the first day of the new year. The ADA wants to help people understand these changes and how they can benefit you, your friends and family.