Diabetes 101

Your questions about diabetes answered.

It used to be that cancer and heart disease were the only headliners in health news. Now, diabetes is getting nearly as much press. But how much do you really know about the disease? Here are some answers to common questions about diabetes.

Q: What’s the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
A: Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed when the body does not produce insulin, a hormone that converts glucose (sugar) and other foods into energy. It is a genetic disorder that’s often diagnosed in childhood. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease in the United States. It is caused by the body’s inability to produce enough insulin or use it efficiently. Type 2 diabetes develops over time and is linked to obesity. It is most commonly diagnosed in adults older than 50, although more young people are developing the disease.

Q: What are the effects of type 2 diabetes?
A: Diabetes affects the circulatory system and, if not managed properly, can lead to complications including heart disease, stroke, eye problems and blindness, nerve damage and foot problems. It also is linked to kidney disease, skin disorders and depression. The good news is that the effects of diabetes can be delayed and even prevented with proper disease management.

Q: Why is diabetes education important?
A: If you have diabetes, enrolling in a diabetes education program is essential, says Karen Witt-Moore, R.N., BSN, a certified diabetes educator at Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth. “There are a lot of misconceptions about diabetes,” she says. “Diabetes education will help you understand the disease and develop a plan for managing it.”

The diabetes education program at Baylor All Saints consists of six classes and covers a range of topics such as meal planning, exercising and preventing complications.

By Shelley Flannery

For more information about diabetes education at Baylor All Saints and Baylor Southwest, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or use our on-line physician directory.