Diabetes Disease State Management

Diabetes mellitus has been called "the epidemic of the new millennium". Diabetes is a disease that prevents the body from producing or utilizing the hormone insulin, which is essential in converting sugar and starches into energy that the body needs to function. Although the exact cause of diabetes has not been found, it is believed to be a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Currently there are over 24 million people in the United States, 8% of the population, that have diabetes. Of the 24 million individuals that suffer from diabetes, approximately 24% remain undiagnosed. The number of undiagnosed patients has fallen substantially from 50% to 24% in the last 10 years due to greater awareness of the disease and increased stress on early diagnosis. Diabetes has increased more than 6-fold during the last 40 years and is now the leading cause of new cases of blindness in those between the ages of 20 and 74.

Since diabetes is becoming more prevalent, it is important that patients recognize the signs of the disease. The three P's (polyuria-frequent urination, polydypsia-excessive thirst, and polyphagia-frequent eating) is valuable in the diagnosis. Health care providers can conduct a series of tests that includes a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) to diagnose diabetes. Diabetes can be categorized into the following major types:

Type 1- results from the body’s inability to produce insulin. Approximately 5-10% of diagnosed individuals in the US have Type 1 diabetes. Currently, the only form of treatment is to utilize insulin injections.
Type 2- is the most common form of diabetes results from tissue wide resistance in which the cells are unable to utilize insulin properly in conjunction with the body not creating sufficient insulin. Treatment options range from diet modification, weight loss, and a variety of old and new medications including the following classes: Sulfonylureas, Biguanides, Thiazolidinediones, Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, Meglitinides, Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors, and combination therapy with multiple medications in different classes.
Gestational- that begins, or is first diagnosed during the term of their pregnancy. Gestational diabetes affects approximately 3-10% of pregnancies. High glucose levels typically will return to normal range after the birth of the child. However, women that have experienced gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly increase a patient’s quality of life, and prevent long term complications such as cardiovascular, kidney, and neuropathic disease. Encourage your patients to adhere to their testing and medication regimens, and you have the opportunity to greatly impact the lives of the patients you service on a daily basis.

Links - Diabetes

Diabetes in Control "Our mission is to be the world leader of current and accurate on-line diabetes information for medical professionals; to promote increased understanding of the care and treatment of diabetes, ultimately helping the medical professional to empower the patient to better self-care."

Center For Disease Control Health Topic: Diabetes Facts and information about Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International is the world’s leading nonprofit, non-governmental funder of diabetes research

National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases conducts and supports biomedical research, disseminating research findings and health information to the public and is part of the U.S. Government, under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The Canadian Diabetes Association is now a leading supporter of diabetes research, education and advocacy.

Diabetes UK is the new name of the British Diabetic Association - the leading charity working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the condition.

American Association of Diabetes Educators is a multidisciplinary organization representing over 10,000 healthcare professionals who provide diabetes education and care.

Polymedco Inc is one of the leading marketing and distribution companies in the clinical laboratory marketplace.

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