Diabetes

U.S.-Mexico Border Diabetes Project

Pan American Health Organization U.S. Mexico Border Field Office
(915) 845-5950 decosio@fep.paho.org/ruizrosa@fep.paho.org

Diabetes definition
Metabolic disorder of multiple etiology (causes) characterized by hyperglycemia with carbohydrates, fat, and protein metabolic alterations that result in defects in the secretion of insulin, its action or both.

What is diabetes?
The majority of intake of food is converted into glucose. The pancreas produces the insulin hormone, which help the organism to take advantage of glucose. In persons with diabetes, the insulin does not work. Therefore, the sugar and the fat increase in the blood.

Symptoms of diabetes

Polyuria (urinating frequently) Polydipsia (very thirsty) Weight loss

Other diabetes symptoms

Continuos hunger Fatigue Dry skin Frequent infections Feet ulceration Loss of sensibility in inferior extremities (legs) Erectile dysfunction

Types of diabetes
Type 1
No production of insulin Initiates in childhood or adolescence

Type 2
Deficient production or improper utilization of insulin Generally initiates after 30 years of age

Risk factors

Risk factors
Family history of diabetes Older than 30 years of age Lack of physical activity Sedentarism ( person with little or no physical activity) Poor diet Excessive weight

Risk factors
Lack of knowledge on the disease No health care access Consumption of alcohol and drugs Smoking Cultural myths

Diabetes complications
Retinopathy (blindness?) Nephropathy (kidney problems) Feet ulceration and/or amputations Hypertension Hyperlipidemia (cholesterol?) Erectile Dysfunction Gestational diabetes (during pregnancy) Diabetes and HIV

Diabetes complications

Diagnosis
Symptoms
(suggest possible diabetes)

High glucose in blood

(confirm if higher than 126 mg/dl)

Glucose in hemoglobin
(indicates quality of diabetes control higher than 7 mmol)

Treatment and control

Medications (insulin vs. hypoglycaemic agents) Increase physical activity at least walk for 30 min. most days Appropriate diet vegetables fruit low in fat and carbohydrates Lifestyle changes

Prevention and/or delay of diabetes complications

Well balanced diet Exercise Medications when appropriate Timely access to health care services No tobacco No alcohol

Tips for healty cooking

Cook of boil meat insted of frying Take the skin of chicken before cooking Use less salt and sugar when preparing food Avoid fat

Tips for healty cooking

Use fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables when eating or in between meals Use low fat chesse instead of regular chesse Use low fat milk Drink fruit juice instead of powder juice

Nutritional Pyrimid

CDC Webpage

Physical Activity
To control diabetes the recommendation is to increase physical activity, preferably every day for 20 minutes.

Physical Activity
Benefits:

Lowers glucose levels in blood Improves blood circulation in the entire body Contributes to weight loss Improves physical and mental wellbeing Helps the body to utilize insulin more efficiently

Physical Activity
Consult your doctor before you start a physical activity program Start you program slowly and increase activity level gradually You can choose the physical activity that that you like to do