Meredith Soyster delivered an educational program on diabetes to interested retirees and guests at the CIRG Coffee Program October 8 th in the Riverfront Cafe. Her key message to her audience is the importance of diet and exercise in our daily regimen whether diabetic or not.

Soyster, the diabetes educator with Guthrie Corning Hospital/Guthrie Health Works, explained that elevated sugar in the body makes one thirsty, causes one to drink a lot, and to urinate more. These subtle symptoms of diabetes could be caused by other conditions as well. She urged everyone to have a blood sugar test in order to be aware of their blood sugar level and to follow it up annually. “It is important to know your (blood sugar) numbers,” she said.

She discussed the three types of diabetes, noting that Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's autoimmune system is confused and attacks things it doesn't need to attack. Generally occurring in children and young adults, this condition is usually newly diagnosed as the result of a crisis.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce the insulin the body needs. There may be no precipitating crisis leading to diagnosis, just a slow ramping up of symptoms. Things to be aware of for Type 2 diabetes are family history and age. While most diabetics are Caucasian, African-American, native Americans and Asian and Hispanics have higher rates of Type 2 diabetes. Key indicators are: overweight, an “apple” shaped body figure, low activity level, and pregnancy history.

The third type is gestational and can be due to pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can also impact the fetus, resulting in a diabetic child.

Soyster said that overweight persons are more susceptible to diabetes. “A little bit of weight loss can go a long way to reducing the risk. And exercise – as little as 10 to 15 minutes of exercise two or three times a day – can do much to prevent diabetes. Diabetes invites you to live as you ought – move more, eat less, and enjoy life,” she said.

Citing a 2002 study of three groups of pre-diabetic people with elevated sugar levels, Soyster said one group did nothing, the second got medication, and the third followed a diet and exercise regimen. The third group did the best job of lowering sugar levels.

Soyster pointed out that diabetic damage can occur wherever blood travels in the body. It is the fifth leading cause of death by heart disease or stroke. It's also a leading cause of kidney failure, eye disease (including blindness), and amputation when a failing blood circulatory system won't allow wounds to heal. This is particularly true for one's feet.

She advised everyone have a blood-sugar test done. “Know your blood sugar level and have it tested annually,” she said.

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