NEWPORT LIONS CLUB
Copyright 2008
Newport Lions Club
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According to diabetes experts, there are more than 23 million people in the United States with diabetes. About 6 million of
them do not know they have this disease - you may be one of them.
What is diabetes? It is a disorder in which the body is unable
to store and use food energy properly. During the digestion of food the pancreas should produce insulin which converts food
into glucose to give our bodies the energy we need.
However, when someone has diabetes, one of the following conditions applies:
• the
pancreas does not produce insulin
• the pancreas produces a small amount of insulin
• cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced
As
a result, glucose is neither absorbed nor stored. It builds up in the blood and spills into the urine. Thus, the body
loses its main source of fuel.
There are three principle types of diabetes:
• Type 1: Is caused by destruction of the insulin-producing
cells of the pancreas and the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. People with type 1 diabetes must inject insulin into their
bodies on a daily basis in order to live.
• Type 2: Is a disorder resulting from the body's inability to produce insulin or use
insulin properly. Persons with type 2 diabetes may take oral medication or they may require insulin injections. Diet and
exercise help control type 2 diabetes.
• Gestational Diabetes: Develops and lasts throughout pregnancy. 2%-5% of pregnant
women develop gestational diabetes. These women are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a later date.
Ninety to 95% of all
cases of diabetes are type 2.
Are you at risk for diabetes? Are you pre-diabetic? Take this anonymous, easy question and
answer quiz at the American Diabetes Association web site; find out for yourself if you may already have diabetes or may be pre-disposed
to it. The test is free. The knowledge you gain may save your life or a valuable part of your body.
Complications of diabetes
Blindness:
A condition known as diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in people between the ages of 20 and 74.
Kidney
Disease: Diabetes is the leading cause of diabetic nephropathy, an end-stage renal disease. Persons with diabetes account
for 40% of all new cases.
Nerve Disease and Amputations: About 60%-70% of people with diabetes have mild to severe nerve damage.
Persons with severe nerve damage often undergo lower limb amputations.
Heart Disease and Stroke: Persons with diabetes are two
to four times more likely to suffer a stroke or to develop heart disease.
These are just a few of the many complications brought on
by diabetes, especially if diabetes is untreated.
Diabetes is treatable and you may lead a normal life under the care of a medical
professional. Diabetes will not go away if you ignore the symptoms. Don't take our word for it - talk to your health care
professional.
Please join us on November 15, 2008, for the Inaugural "Strides" Diabetes Awareness Bridge Walk across the Alsea Bay
Bridge. "Strides" is an officially sanctioned Lions Clubs International program which encourages people to learn more about
diabetes. We'll have lots of free diabetes related information you can take home. "Strides" also promotes a healthy, active
lifestyle which helps diabetics live longer and stay healthier.
Sponsored by the Waldport, Newport and Yachats Lions Clubs of south
Lincoln County, Oregon, the walk is an easy 2 miles. Anyone can join the walk. Free bottled water and glucose tablets
will be available. This free event is not a race nor is it a fund raiser. However, we will be collecting non-perishable
food items and/or cash for the Waldport Food Pantry.
Please download the PDF format registration form, general information and map;
snail mail the registration to the address shown on the form to arrive not later than November 10th. Thank you. We look forward
to meeting you and joining us on a fun walk with your neighbors and friends.
