World Diabetes Day

Today is World Diabetes Day and the theme this year is Diabetes in Children and Adolescents. According to recent statistics, an alarming 440,000 children are living with Type 1 diabetes globally!! In the physical therapy world, we have seen a drastic increase in the amount of clients coming through suffering from this devastating disease. Diabetes has severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and loss of limbs if left untreated. We should all be aware of this disease which is estimated to affect more than 16 million Americans! Please read on for some basic info to help you or a loved one identify the warning signs.

What is Diabetes Mellitus (DM)?

DM is an endocrine disorder which is characterized by hyperglycemia (excess glucose in the blood). It is caused by a disruption of the production of the hormone insulin which acts to balance blood glucose levels in the blood.

Type 1 versus Type 2

Type 1 diabetes is an insulin dependent form which is generally diagnosed before the age of 20 (aka juvenile onset DM). This form is caused by a deficiency in insulin production and secretion from the pancreas. People who suffer from Type I diabetes require daily insulin supplements to maintain life.

Type 2 is caused by an obesity-related resistance by cells to receive insulin and is generally onset in adulthood. Thus this form can be controlled via diet and exercise. Special cases of Type II DM require these individuals to supplement with insulin as well. Although this disease type is traditionally recognized as adult onset, the growing epidemic of childhood obesity demonstrates trends of early type 2 onset.

Signs and Symptoms

- Excessive urination

- Excessive thirst

- excessive hunger

- weight loss

- recurrent blurred vision

- fatigue

- dizziness

DM & Exercise**Individuals with DM must see their physician before beginning an exercise program.**

Glucose levels are manageable through diet and exercise for sufferers of type 2 DM. General guidelines to follow are listed below. This information is to only serve as a refresher for individuals who have already been prescribed an exercise program by their physician or physical therapist.

- Always check sugar levels before and after your work out

- NEVER exercise if blood levels are at or near 300 mg/dL

- Exercise 1 hour after eating a meal, or eat a small snack 15-20 minutes prior to exercise

- Do not exercise the muscle or extremity which was injected with insulin within 1 hour of injection

- Individuals with Type 1 diabetes may need to adjust their insulin intake

- Keep a snack close by in case of hypoglycemia

- maintain proper fluid levels (i.e. water before, during and after)

- Exercise for 40 to 60 min is most beneficial, however 20 to 30 minutes of continuous aerobic exercise is sufficient to regulate sugar levels.

Please help spread the awareness of Diabetes. Check the American Diabetes Association or Diabetes UK for how.