Living With Diabetes

This week, we dedicate our post to Diabetes, which has three prominent stages Pre-Diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2.  The different stages represent different resulting physical conditions that in some cases may require the need for home care.  There are different types of home care that are available for families in need such as: Live in Care, Personal Care Aides, Home Health Aides, Companions and Assisted Daily Living.
A better understanding of the disease can prepare you for the road ahead.  First Care of New York is proud to be able to offer its services for those of you who need home care for your loved ones who are battling this disease.  Any and all residents of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens areas can be served, and we hope to be able to accommodate your every need.  What are the differences between the three stages of Diabetes?   The information you will read is courtesy of diabetes.org, and will answer those questions and many more.
Before people develop Type 2 diabetes, they almost always have "Pre-Diabetes"—blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.  There are 57 million people in the United States who have Pre-Diabetes.  Recent research has shown that some long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already be occurring during Pre-Diabetes. 
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes.  In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin.  Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Only 5-10% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease.  With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children with type 1 diabetes can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy, happy lives.  

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.  Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware that they are at high risk.  Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders as well as the aged population. In Type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.  Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy.  When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body.  Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.

If you have Diabetes you have a higher chance of:

·         Heart Disease

·         Stroke

·         Nerve damage

·         Eye problems and blindness

·         Kidney Disease

·         Early death

Diabetes is a very serious issue which can lead to some serious complications and one should always be sure to monitor and keep their diabetes as under control as possible. Taking proper care of one’s diabetic condition is critical to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Once the diabetes gets out of control, it can become quite serious. First Care of New York provides the proper care for our clients affected by diabetes by helping our clients visit their doctors regularly and assisting with medication reminders as well as other great services. If you or a loved one can no longer manage your diabetes or are having health issues due to other medical conditions, do not hesitate to give us a call to find out how we may be able to help. Our number is 718-741-5956.