Don't Sugar Coat it... Diabetes is an Epidemic.

Diabetes is a disease that has become an epidemic within recent years in the United States. The country has also faced drastically increasing rates of obesity, especially in the last 30 years. There is a distinct correlation between obesity and diabetes; poor eating and lack of exercise are two of the leading causes of the disease. This paper is designed to explain the importance of effective diabetes management, with the primary treatment center being Trinity Hospital of Augusta, Georgia

Checking Blood Sugar

            The most important tool for a diabetic is checking blood sugar. It’s a simple and relatively painless procedure that helps doctors and patients understand their progress and determine how they are feeling.  A finger prick for a drop of blood is all it takes. Readings between 70 and 130 are typically are what the doctors define as target range.

When patients have appointments with physicians, they will usually have lab work done and receive results of their average blood sugar for the past 60 -90 days. This is called a Hemoglobin A1c test. Hemoglobin A1c tests are blood tests are done mostly in hospitals, in which blood is drawn from the arm and taken to the lab. Generally, doctors want their diabetic patients around 6.5% or lower.

What is the outlook on Georgia as far as diabetes is concerned? The number of adults with diabetes in Richmond County, GA alone is at 11.6%. When compared to the National average, Georgia is right with it, which is BAD because rates are only on the increase. The data in the table below is from 2007-2009. The table also indicates higher rates for diabetes in African American individuals. Richmond County, GA and many other counties in the state have a majority population of African Americans. This means the need for successful diabetes education and management is even greater in these areas!

U.S. Adults, by Age  Diabetes 2007-2009
20–44 years	2.6%
45–64 years	11.7%
>=65	18.9%
U.S. Adults Aged >=20 Years, by Race and Ethnicityb,c
American Indian and Alaska Native	16.1%
Asian American	8.4%
Hispanic	11.8%
Non-Hispanic black	12.6%
Non-Hispanic white	7.1%

 

 

           

 

While viewing the leading causes of death for Georgia for 1994-2002, it is seen that diabetes is not listed frequently. This is a misconception, however. The effects of diabetes are what are causing the biggest health problems in individuals with the disease. The lack of exercise and absence of a nutritional and balanced diet contribute to weight gain, all pointing to heart disease, stroke, cancers, amputations, problems with blood circulation, etc. By enrolling in the Living with Diabetes program at Trinity Hospital in Augusta, one will cover the all concerns and complications of diabetes as well as how to maintain a healthy life. The success is credited to the topics the program covers. These topics are; Diabetes Disease Process, Nutritional Management, Meal Planning, Monitoring Blood Glucose, Physical Activity, Foot Care, Acute Complications, Medication or Insulin, Chronic Complications, Psychosocial Concerns, and Personal Goal Setting.

American Diabetes Association. (2012). For parents and kids. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/?loc=DropDownLWD-treatment

American Diabetes Association. (2012). Treatment and care. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/?loc=DropDownLWD-treatment

CDC. (2012, August). Diabetes report card 2012: National and state profile of diabetes and its complications. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/reportcard.htm