Living with Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body’s cells convert blood sugar into energy, and without it, excessive amounts of sugar builds up in the blood, resulting in a lack of energy.

There are two major types of the disease, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce any insulin whatsoever. Type 2, the most common type of diabetes, occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. It can also occur if the cells ignore the insulin.

Diabetes can cause damage to the eyes, blood vessels, nerves and kidneys. These damages, in turn, may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke and can also lead to foot sores, and digestion problems.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes include: excessive thirst; over-urination; weight loss; fast, heavy breathing; trembling; feeling nauseous, weak, drowsy, confused, and dizzy; loss of coordination and blurred vision. If you, or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, consult a physician.

Although diabetes is an incurable disease, it is still possible to live a long and healthy life. In order to stay healthy, it is imperative to control the body’s blood sugar levels by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet. Exercising lowers blood sugar levels because when muscles are active they burn glucose. Exercise also helps the body use the insulin it does make. Lower blood pressure and a decreased risk for heart disease result from maintaining a healthy diet. If diet and exercise fail to keep your blood sugar level normal, your physician will suggest alternatives, such as medicine or insulin.

The Center for Diabetes at Springfield Hospital is an American Diabetes Association-approved program that serves patients from all Crozer-Keystone hospitals, and aims to meet the needs of patients by educating and providing a clear understanding of how to manage their chronic condition. The Center for Diabetes has a qualified interdisciplinary team of nurses, a registered dietitian, a pharmacist, and an exercise physiologist under the guidance of a medical director. Together, this team works with you and your primary care physician to develop an educational plan to meet your specific needs.

The Center for Diabetes offers comprehensive classes to help patients understand their condition. These classes include: basic diabetes education, blood glucose monitoring, nutrition counseling, insulin administration, management skills for diabetes related to pregnancy, insulin pump training, continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS), intensive management programs, and pre-diabetes programs. The Center for Diabetes also offers free classes and support groups that give you the opportunity to share and learn from each other.

For more information about the Crozer-Keystone Center for Diabetes, call 610-328-8920. For more information about senior health services at Crozer-Keystone Health System, call 1-800-CKHS-KEY (1-800-254-7539) or visit http://srhealthservices.crozer.org.