DIABETES QUARTERLY
The Newsletter of the Giles County Health Council
April 2009
Volume 1, Issue 1
Begin good habits when
they are young.
It’s A First!
Welcome to the first issue of Diabetes Quarterly, a newsletter of the
Giles County Health Council! This newsletter was developed to share
information about diabetes and ways to prevent and manage the
disease. It also serves as a community awareness tool to highlight
activities and programs on a local, state and national level. We hope
you find this newsletter helpful whether you have diabetes or just want
to learn more about it. This newsletter will be published quarterly: April,
July, October, and January. We encourage you to share this
newsletter with your family and friends or anyone concerned.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Each person with diabetes has a very individual relationship with the
disease. Sharing stories about your struggles and triumphs can provide
practical advice & inspiration to others. Submit your story (200 words or less
please) along with your contact information to [email protected]
Diabetes: What Is It Anyway?
Type 1-Is a disease in which the body does not make insulin. Type 1 diabetes
accounts for five to ten percent of all cases of diabetes. It is usually
diagnosed in children and younger adults and last for the person’s whole life.
Individuals with type 1 diabetes takes insulin everyday. They also need to
keep their blood glucose in a target range by balancing insulin with a meal
plan and exercise.
Type 2-Accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all cases of diabetes and occurs most
often in middle ages or older adults. But more and more children and teens
are developing type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes manage their
diabetes by using a meal plan, being active, and taking medication (insulin
or pills) if needed.
Gestational-Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but who
have high blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy are said to have
gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant
women - about 135,000 cases of gestational diabetes in the United States
each year. Gestational diabetes starts when your body is not able to make
and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy.
It’s A First!
1
Diabetes: What Is It?
Anyway?
1
Community Spotlight
1
Medication and Blood
Glucose Levels
2
Recipe Corner Breakfast Burrito
2
Nick Jonas: What’s My
Story?
2
Did You Know?
2
Announcement
2
“Life is not over
because you have
diabetes. Make the
most of what you
have, be grateful.”
- Dale Evans Rogers
Diabetes Quarterly, a
newsletter of the Giles
County Health Council, is
published as an outreach to
the community. Please
send diabetes related news
and information to:
Denise Sanders, Community
Programs Coordinator
Giles County Health Dept.
209 South Cedar Lane
Pulaski, TN 38478
or email at:
[email protected]
2
Medication and Blood Glucose Levels
Did you know over-the-counter mediations such as
cough syrups and cough drops may contain sugar?
Find out if sugar-free is available. Also, allergy
medication may contain decongestants, which can
constrict blood vessels, while diet pills may contain
ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and epinephrine, all of
which can trigger a rise in blood glucose. Check with
your doctor or pharmacist before using them.
Prescription drugs also have an impact on glucose
levels. Medications for high cholesterol and high
blood pressure, heart medications, even some
medications for depression can all increase glucose
levels. Talk to your doctor about ways to control your
glucose while using the medication or ask about
alternatives.
Recipe Corner
Breakfast Burrito
1T light margarine
2c. frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
3/4tsp. chili powder
1c. egg substitute
1/4c. salsa
1/4c. green onions, chopped
4(7inch)whole wheat tortillas
1/4c. light or fat free sour cream (optional)
Melt margarine in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add
potatoes and chili powder. Cook until potatoes are tender,
stirring occasionally. Mix together egg, salsa, and onions; add to
skillet and cook until eggs are set. Heat tortillas according to
package directions. Spoon egg mixture down center of tortillas.
Roll up in burrito fashion.
Diabetic Exchanges: 1lean meat, 1fat, 1 starch
Always consult with your physician or healthcare
provider regarding any questions you may have
and before changing any regimen.
Hillside Hospital Diabetes Support Group
Next Meeting Sunday, June 14th 2:30pm at
the H &H Café. What a great way to learn and
support one another..
DID YOU KNOW?
Diabetes has no boundaries. It is a
disease that can affect anyone...even
celebrities. Take a guess at who these
celebrities might be.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
First African-American Miss America
Top singer on American Idol in 2006
A famous country singer
The inventor of the light bulb
16 year-old star of a pop rock band
Former 2008 Republican candidate
Female pharaoh of Egypt
Think you got them all right? Check your
answers at the bottom of the page.
Nick Jonas:
What’s My
Story?
I am 16 years old, the youngest brother in the
extraordinarily successful pop music group, the
Jonas Brothers. I am a songwriter, guitarist, singer
and diabetic. Yes, I have type 1diabetes.
Like so many of my peers who struggle with this
disease, I have found that it has made me more
focused, generous and more aware of other’s
feelings and needs. I was diagnosed at age 13.
Although I had been having the usual symptoms-I
lost weight, was always thirsty, had to go the
bathroom all the time, and I was in a really, really
bad mood all the time-I didn’t know what it all
meant.
My brothers bugged my parents to get me to the
doctor. The diagnosis was as swift as it was
startling: My blood sugar was 700. Once I got out
of the hospital, I had to learn how to take care of
myself. I hope I can be a positive light. I have
made a promise to myself that I would not let
diabetes slow me down. Don’t let it slow you
down either. (excerpt from Diabetes Focus 2009)
ANNOUNCEMENT
Giles County Health Council meets the
4tht Tuesday of the month 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
If you would like to attend a meeting, contact
Naomi Beddingfield, Health Council Chair at
363-9322 or Shirley Pruitt at [email protected]