Do you really know the impact of diabetes? There were over 23 to 25 million adults and children living with diabetes in 2011, increasing from 2010. It is very important to understand the various types of diabetes. An understanding of genetic risks, lifestyle risks, and overall health risks play a role in early diagnosis, prevention, as well as treatment. Those people who have immediate family members with diabetes may have in increased chance of having diabetes. People, who are overweight, eat poor diets filled with high sugar, or carbs may also be putting themselves at risk.
There are three types of diabetes that could affect you or someone you know or love. Type I Diabetes is also known as Juvenile diabetes. Children can be diagnosed at an early age through early adulthood, and maybe dependent on insulin injections to maintain proper sugar levels in the body depending on the severity. There are no known cures for Type 1 diabetes. There are many different symptoms that are common such as: constant thirst, weight loss, hunger, frequent urination, and blurred vision. Other symptoms may also be a manifestation of the disease.
Type II diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, and may have some of the same symptoms as type 1 diabetes, or no symptoms at all. Type 2 diabetes commonly occurs in those adults who are overweight. When a person is overweight, it makes it harder for the body to use insulin like it is intended. It is vital for everyone to get routine checkups from the doctor, and seek diagnosis and treatment to decrease further health risks associated with diabetes. Those people who have diabetes are at an increased risk for getting periodontal disease as well. Routine dental exams are extremely important for those patients with diabetes due to the increased risk.
Type III diabetes is commonly called gestational diabetes. This is a type of diabetes that is found in pregnant women. Complications during pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of getting gestational diabetes. Those women who eat poor diets high in sugar and carbs may increase their chances of getting type III diabetes. Excessive weight gain can also play a role in being diagnosed with type III diabetes. Frequent pre-natal visits are vital for healthy pregnancies, and can help combat type III diabetes. Those women who have type III diabetes are also at an increased risk for having babies with larger birth weights. Type III diabetes is not permanent, and the mother should return to normal after the delivery of the baby. However, if a healthy weight, routine exercise, or healthy eating habits is not reached or maintained after delivery, type II diabetes is a health risk.
Maintaining a healthy diet, frequent exercise, and routine doctor/dental visits can play an important role in proper diagnosis, and treatment for any of the forms of diabetes mentioned. Finding a doctor that you trust and feel comfortable with is also important in your overall health. If you or a family member have some of the symptoms mentioned, consulting with a doctor for a physical exam or lab work can ensure that you aren’t overlooking a serious health condition.
Naomi Engelman has over 17 years of experience working in allied health. She has been a certified and registered dental assistant for 17 years, and has taught allied health for the past 6 years. She has completed her PhD in Health Education at A.T. Still Univeristy where she completed both qualitatvie and quantitative research for her applied dissertation. Her research allowed her to design and implement a course designed to educate dental assisting students on proper patient education regarding periodontal disease and links to other chronic diseases. She works as adjunct faculty for several colleges near Spring Hill, TN, where she resides wither her husband and children.