Being an incredibly cocky individual, its alarming to find out that in actuality... I know diddly squat. (Ironic because I don't even know how to properly squat, but more on that later)
After finishing an intro session for podiatric medicine, it became obvious that diabetes will be a huge topic that will be covered. As well at other topics such as endocrinology, rheumatology, dermatology etc.. a lot of "ology's" and not enough redbull.
I wanted to discuss diabetes today, since it is a topic that hits home, my grandparents have it (both sets I believe) we all know someone who has diabetes on a personal level (yeah okay, I worded that strangely) or we have it ourselves. Roughly 3.9 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the UK and that's taken verbatim from here: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/professionals/position-statements-reports/statistics/diabetes-prevalence-2019
So what are some of the questions I personally (I'm loving this word today) had when learning about diabetes:
1) What is it?
2) Does it come in different types? if so, what are those types?
3) How does diabetes present itself on a patient?
4) As podiatrists, or future podiatrist in my case, how will this affect me in clinics?
5) Lastly, what are the treatment options?
So firstly, what is it? its a life long condition that affects the glucose levels in your blood i.e too much glucose (you're just too sweet darn it)
This is important because we need glucose for energy, and we get that glucose when our bodies break down carbohydrates that we consume.
Secondly, are there different types? well, yes there are. How many? There is Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is when your pancreas can't produce insulin and Type 2 is when your pancreas is able to create insulin but it just won't work or when your pancreas can't produce enough of it.
Whats insulin, I hear you ask? Great question imaginary friend! Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the glucose in our blood to enter our cells so they have energy to do their jobs! Cells in the pancreas called Beta cells are signaled to release insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin helps keep your blood sugar levels under control so they're not too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia) think of insulin as a key-lock mechanism; it unlocks the cell to allow sugar into it and then be used as energy. You can read more about it here: https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/type-1-diabetes/what-insulin
Then, how would diabetes manifest itself on a patient? well... frequent urination, thirst, fogginess, fatigue, just to name a few.
long term complications can be nerve damage with diabetic neuropathy and kidney damage with diabetic nephropathy (you can fund out more here: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=diabetic+nephropathy ) Diabetic retinopathy; is when the blood vessels in the back of the eye swell and leak; high cholesterol is a contributing factor and patients with uncontrolled diabetes are at greater risk of diabetic retinopathy, strokes and coronary disease. You can find out more here: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/how-does-diabetes-affect-the-body.html
As a student podiatrist or practicing podiatrist, how will this affect feet? Having neuropathy associated with diabetes, you're at a greater risk of having foot problems since you won't be able to tell when your feet feel any discomfort or pain. This could lead to diabetic foot ulcers which can leave you at a greater risk for foot infection which may or may not lead to amputation....
(Nobody wants you to go down that rabbit hole Alice!)
Lastly, what are the treatment options? well, early screening helps determine your treatment options for example eye screening. If you have Type 1 diabetes, you will most likely be prescribed insulin injections or an insulin pump. If you have Type 2 diabetes you may have to use insulin injections or tablets (metformin, if that rings a bell with anyone) You can find more information here: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/diabetes-treatments#tablets
What can you do to help? spread the awareness... and not make those cupcakes (MOM I'M LOOKING AT YOU!)
If you have any further questions, please use these websites I've attached and/or speak to a family member or friend that has diabetes.
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