Utah Valley Pediatrics strives to keep parents up to date on the latest health topics and advisories. Our newsletter covers medicine changes and news, pediatric news, seasonal and age specific topics and what’s new at Utah Valley Pediatrics.
Archives
Spring 2009
Vol. 3 Issue 1
Medicine Changes and News
Does Your Child Really Need Vitamins?
Federal Court Finds That Vaccines Did Not Cause Autism
Pediatric News
Couch Potatoes Have Trouble Eating Healthy Later
Seasonal and Age Specific
Playing it Safe: How to Avoid Injuries
What's New at UVP
The Payson Office Has Moved to a New Building
Contacts
Kevin Moffitt
Administrator
801-373-8930
Shalise Law
Manager
801-373-8930
Quick Links
Diabetes
Statistics about diabetes can be somewhat alarming: 23 million Americans currently have the disease, and another 57 million Americans are at risk according to the American Diabetes Association. The good news is that most types of diabetes are treatable or even preventable with some simple lifestyle changes.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is the general name for a partial or complete breakdown in the delivery system that sends sugar--your body’s energy source—from the bloodstream to cells. In this system, the hormone insulin, produced in the pancreas, allows sugar to enter cells. The system breaks down when insulin levels are too low or when cells refuse to let insulin do its job.
There are Multiple Types of Diabetes
The types of diabetes are determined by the kind of breakdown in the sugar delivery system. Type 1 diabetes, which used to be known as juvenile onset diabetes, affects only five to ten percent of diabetics. It occurs when the body does not make enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes, which used to be known as adult onset diabetes, occurs when cells no longer allow insulin to work effectively. People with Type 2 diabetes frequently have high blood sugar and high insulin levels.
Temporary diabetes also occurs in about four percent of women during pregnancy. It usually goes away, but women who experience this gestational diabetes are at a higher risk to develop Type 2 diabetes later.
How High Blood Sugar Levels Are Related to Diabetes
With diabetes, a breakdown in the delivery system often causes sugar to stay in the bloodstream rather than go into cells where it is needed. High blood sugar levels thus may indicate diabetes.
High blood sugar levels can also create uncomfortable symptoms. For example, blood sugar levels that are too high cause the kidneys to work overtime. Increased and frequent urination can be a warning sign of diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association, 57 million Americans have abnormally high blood sugar. This condition, called pre-diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, can lead to diabetes.
A Healthy Diet Can Help
A healthy diet can help manage blood sugar levels, reduce risk of developing diabetes, and reduce current diabetes symptoms. Exercise and weight management is also important. Individuals who are at risk for developing diabetes, including those with abnormally high blood sugar levels or family history of the disease, may be able to avoid developing diabetes with a healthy diet, healthy exercise, and weight management.
For more information:
Understanding the disease could help you prevent it.
Overview of Diabetes in Children and Adolescents
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