Managing Your Diabetes

Diabetes is a disorder in which the body is unable to properly regulate the level of sugar in the blood. Unlike most people, those with diabetes have to work to regulate their blood sugar levels, or else they can develop serious health problems.

How diabetes occurs
The cells in our bodies need sugar for energy. Ordinarily, the sugar in the foods we eat is transported to the cells by the blood. The hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, helps the cells absorb the sugar from the blood. When not enough insulin is produced, however, the cells are unable to absorb enough sugar, and very high levels remain in the blood.

The two types of diabetes
There are two different types of diabetes, “Type 1” and “Type 2”. In type 1, which usually develops in childhood or early adulthood, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. This type used to be called “insulin-dependent” diabetes, because the person needs to receive insulin from another source to keep their blood sugar levels regulated.

Type 2 diabetes is much more common. With this type, sometimes referred to as “adult onset” diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin and/or is not able to properly use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Often, people with type 2 diabetes don’t have to take insulin or medication, but can control their blood sugar through careful meal planning and exercise.

What causes type 2 diabetes?
The precise cause is not known. However, it is more common in people over age 40 and those who are overweight. Heredity also seems to be an important factor. If a woman has given birth to a baby over 9 pounds, she is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?
Your doctor will take blood and urine samples to measure the level of sugar in your blood. The following symptoms may also indicate that a person has diabetes: increased urination; excessive thirst; increased appetite; weight gain or loss; blurred vision; skin infections; vaginal infections; tiredness; sores that take a long time to heal; prickling, burning, itching of the skin (usually on the hands or feet); infections of the foreskin in uncircumcised men.

Note that some people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms, so it is important to have your blood sugar and urine checked for sugar on a regular basis.

Treating type 2 diabetes
The goal of treatment is to control the level of sugar in your blood. This can usually be done by regulating your diet and getting enough exercise. If you are overweight, the focus of treatment will be to reduce your weight to normal levels. Losing even 7 to 10 pounds can reduce or eliminate your need to take insulin or other medication.

What you eat has a significant effect on your blood glucose (sugar) levels. This is why changes in diet can be so important to your treatment. Dietary recommendations for people with diabetes usually include spacing meals throughout the day as opposed to eating one big meal. Monitoring carbohydrate and sugar intake is also stressed. Since diabetes is a strong risk factor for heart disease, reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet are especially important.

There is no one diet that is recommended for everyone. Your doctor can refer you to a nutritionist or dietitian who is specially trained in the dietary needs of people with diabetes. Together, you can work out a nutrition plan that works best for you.

Physical activity is also very important in managing type 2 diabetes. Exercise improves your circulation and uses up more of the excess sugar in your blood. It is also an important element in weight reduction. Walking is one of the best exercises for controlling type 2 diabetes. Remember to consult your doctor before you begin any exercise program.

Diabetic complications
Although diabetes does increase one’s risk for many different health problems, many of them can be avoided by keeping your blood sugar levels under control through proper diet, exercise, and sometimes, medication. Some of the major complications that can occur when diabetes is poorly controlled include: frequent infections; vision and other eye problems; nerve damage; circulatory problems; and heart disease.

Tips for managing your diabetes
● Stick to your prescribed nutritional plan and/or weight reduction program.
● Exercise regularly, following your doctor’s recommendation.
● Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
● Stop smoking.
● Keep your blood pressure under control.
● Have regular physical exams (including blood and urine tests) and eye exams.
● Report to your doctor any sores in your mouth or on your lips, or any other signs of infection.
● See your doctor right away if you have a fever or if a minor injury is not healing.
● Report any tingling or numbness in your fingertips and toes.
● Examine your feet each evening for redness, and for cuts or scrapes that could become infected.

Supported as an educational service by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. This information is not intended for use as medical advice. You should discuss this information with your doctor.


Avaraham Henoch, MD
564 West 160th Street
New York, NY 10032
Phone: (212) 740-6400