Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or does not properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed in our body in order for our cells to utilize sugar for energy. The pancreas produces insulin, which is released into our blood when we consume food. Because insulin helps sugar get into the cells of our body, a lack of insulin causes high blood sugar levels. There are several types of diabetes including Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, and Pre-Diabetes.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Diabetes is diagnosed by performing a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). The FPG measures the amount of glucose in your blood after a twelve hour fast. The OGTT is done by measuring an individual's blood glucose levels after a fast and again two hours after consuming a glucose rich beverage. Below are the diagnostic levels.

Fasting Plasma Glucose Test:

100-125 mg/dl Pre-diabetes

≥ 126 mg/dl Diabetes

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test:

140-199 mg/dl Pre-diabetes

≥ 200 mg/dl Diabetes

BYU Screenings

The BYU Wellness Program offers free glucose screenings to BYU faculty, staff, and administration and their spouses twice a year, usually during the months of April and September. They are usually given in conjunction with the cholesterol and PSA screenings. There is no cost for employees covered by DMBA/Altius insurance. The cost of the screening to those who are not covered is $5.

Blood Glucose levels may indicate diabetes or risk for diabetes. A 12 hour fast is required (but you may drink water) in order to obtain accurate results for the screenings.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or the cells of the body are not sensitive to insulin.

Risk Factors:

African American, Latino, Native American, or Asian American/Pacific Islander decent
Family history
Older age
Obesity
History of gestational diabetes
Physical inactivity

Diabetes Risk Test

Complications:

Those with diabetes are at increased risk for several conditions. The risk for developing these conditions can often be reduced greatly through diabetes control and exercise.

Heart disease and stroke
Kidney disease
Eye complications
Diabetic neuropathy
Foot complications
Skin complications

Prevention

30 minutes of moderate physical activity 5 days a week
5-10% reduction in body weight
Choose whole grain products over processed grains
Choose water and calorie-free diet drinks instead of regular soda and other sugar sweetened drinks
Consume fish 2-3 times a week
Watch your portion sizes
Choose non-fat dairy
Choose lean meats
Use liquid oils for cooking rather than solid fats

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is known as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes because it is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 1 diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin due to destruction of cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the cells of the body are unable to take up and utilize sugar for energy. Type 1 diabetes is believed to be caused by genetic factors. The body's immune system attacks the cells of the pancreas, which leads to a destruction of insulin producing cells.

Signs and Symptoms:

High blood sugar levels when tested
Sugar in the urine
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Nausea and vomiting
Blurred vision
Increased hunger with weight loss
Extreme weakness and fatigue
Irritability and mood changes

Pre-Diabetes

Most people have pre-diabetes before developing type 2 diabetes. Although blood sugar levels are not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, damage to the body still occurs in pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is also known as impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose.

Pre-diabetes is defined as having a fasting blood glucose level of 140-199 mg/dl.

Prevention of pre-diabetes is consistent with the prevention for type 2 diabetes. Detection of pre-diabetes is important because it allows the individual to make lifestyle changes in order to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Click here to view slides from the Diabetes Well and Wise Seminar

Click here to view a Wellness Newsletter on diabetes