Living with diabetes unknowingly is not uncommon as participants in Wednesday’s faculty lecture series learned of the symptoms and preventions of this growing epidemic.
Diabetes is growing rapidly especially with an increase of the population becoming obese. The disease is genetic; however, poor diet and lack of physical activity allow for its existence. The illness is the result of the pancreas producing too little or no insulin, which is categorized as type 1 diabetes, insulin dependent, and type 2 diabetes, non-insulin dependent, which was discussed by Linda Loiselle, a professor in nursing at Moorpark College.
“We can prevent diabetes if we can prevent it early enough,” Loiselle said. “My whole thing is to catch it so people can change their ways.”
Diabetes is closely linked to obesity, especially in young children. Type 2 diabetes makes up about 90 percent of the country’s population which is composed of primarily middle-aged adults; however children and adolescents are now starting to be diagnosed in this category because they are overweight.
Dalila Sankaran, a Moorpark College nursing professor, was in attendance for the lecture. As a nurse and a mother, Sankaran teaches her children proper nutritional value to avoid obesity and diabetes.
“I teach them how to read nutrition labels,” Sankaran stated. “They tell me the processed foods, like lunchables, don’t taste as good as the natural foods.”
Prevention for diabetes can start at a young age, but many times it starts later in life with metabolic syndrome. Loiselle states that metabolic syndrome is a blood glucose sugar level higher than 100, and if detected, a life style change is needed or it can develop into type 2 diabetes.
Screening for diabetes should start at around middle age, claims Dr. Franklin Weil an endocrinologist at the Arroyo Oaks Medical Group in Thousand Oaks. Unless symptoms exist, it is not advised that younger age groups be tested.
“Children don’t need to be checked once a year,” Dr. Weil said. “Only screen if they’re showing symptoms.”
The list of symptoms include: frequent urination, increased thirst, unexplained weight loss, excessive hunger, more infections, dry skin, and an increase in fatigue.
To help reduce the risk of diabetes Linda Vickers, a nutrition professor at Moorpark College and diabetes educator, recommends eating three meals a day with a reduced portion size. In addition to a healthier diet, it is advised to walk 10,000 steps everyday, which equals five miles.
For any more questions on diabetes, please contact Sharon Manakas, Coordinator of Health Services at Moorpark College at (805) 378-1413.however children and adolescents
