The Golden Oldies
If someone gets diabetes mellitus, can it be cured?
No, once a person has diabetes, it is for life.
Is there a difference in degrees of severity of diabetes?
Yes, generally the later in life that diabetes develops the less severe it is. Juvenile diabetes is more severe and different to manage than most maturity-onset diabetes.
Do all diabetics require insulin?
No, approximately half of all diabetics can control their diabetes with careful attention to diet, weight control, and adequate exercise. In some cases an oral medication may be prescribed to aid in the control of the disease. However, recent evidence suggests that proper diet and weight control is probably as effective in controlling mild diabetes as are the oral medications being marked.
What kind of diet does a diabetic have to follow?
As a general rule, diabetics are required to maintain a diet low in sugar and starches. In addition, they must control their daily intake of food to maintain or regain a normal weight.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Usually a person with uncontrolled diabetes often feels very thirsty, urinates a great deal, feels weak and perspires heavily.
Is there anything a person can do to keep from getting diabetes?
No, doctors really don't know what causes diabetes but they know heredity plays a role. Although diabetes cannot be prevented, the long-term effects can be lessened.
How can I find out if I have a tendency toward diabetes?
If you are over 40 and have blood relatives who are diabetic, see your doctor. He can do tests to see how well your body utilizes sugar. Remember, in most instances diabetes in older people occurs long before any noticeable symptoms appear. Only through laboratory tests can diabetes be discovered before any noticeable symptoms appear. Only though laboratory tests can diabetes be discovered early.
Can a diabetic lead a normal life?
Today, the answer is yes. but with some qualifications. The person diagnosed as having diabetes must follow the doctor's advice carefully in regard to diet, proper use of medication, weight control, amount of exercise and personal hygiene.
Why is personal hygiene important?
Personal cleanliness is necessary because any infection, such as one resulting from a break in the skin, is likely to be much more severe in the diabetic. Also, the arteries of a diabetic, age and lose elasticity earlier in life. This may decrease circulation to the hands and feet, especially if the person smokes.
Why is high blood sugar a problem?
High blood sugar is a problem because it upsets the acid-base chemical balance of the body, which can lead to a condition known as acidosis or ketosis. If this condition is not corrected by the use of insulin the person can fall into a coma and die. The symptoms of acidosis are weakness, drowsiness, deepening into a stupor and, finally unconsciousness.
What is insulin shock?
Insulin shock is the direct opposite of acidosis. A diabetic who is using insulin can go into insulin shock very quickly if there is not enough sugar available in the blood to fuel the body's activities. Early warning signs of insulin shock include weakness, perspiring and trembling. When this happens, some form of sugar should be eaten at once. For this reason diabetics using insulin should always carry a lump of sugar or a piece of candy with them.
Can insulin be taken by mouth instead of injection?
No, the only way to take insulin is by hypodermic injection, through a needle. Almost all diabetics, even children, easily learn to inject themselves with insulin.
From: Pennsylvania Department of Health
Last updated
03/07/2004
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Rosie Horton
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