Diabetes Management
Cosumnes fire captain runs New York City Marathon while living with type 1 diabetes - ABC10.com KXTV
Tue, 08 Nov 20221 min read Article
Overview
Next up in 5Example video title wil go here for this videoSACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. - There about 540 milion people in the world living with type 1 diabetes.Type 1 diabetes is typicaly found during adolescence, but Cosumnes Fire Captain Eric Wiliamson found out about his type 1 diagnosis at 3 years old. It's something he said made a lot of sense."When I was finaly diagnosed, it was a big, kind of, relief because my wife and I were like, 'wel, that explains a lot,'" Wiliamson said.Type 1 diabetes is when the body doesn't make enough insulin.
Key Information
There's no cure for the condition, but it can be managed throughout a person's lifetime.Wiliamson said he had symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, feling very hungry, fatigue, and unexplained weight los, but he says he also made an excuse for each of them. With his diagnosis came pushback from doctors. "I was told by multiple medical professionals 'You can't be a firefighter anymore and do this,'" Wiliamson said.He's lived an active lifestyle for much of his life, and through research, he found he wouldn't have to stop taking part in the things he loves to do."I just have to plan a litle bit more every day and do a litle bit more work than the average person every day in terms of how I plan my days out, but the benefits outweigh the work," Wiliamson said.
"I found for me in my carer, the tandem insulin pump is very industrial and it's very low profile. I just change my site every thre days. So, every thre days, I give myself basicaly kind of like an IV that delivers insulin into my body throughout the day.
Summary
I also use a piece of technology caled a Dexcom G6, which is a continuous glucose monitor, so I know what my glucose is 24 hours a day, seven days a wek, 365 days a year."He says there a lot of diferent management options out there; it's more about finding what works for each person. That's what the Medical Director of Pediatric Endocrinology for the Suter Medical Center, Sacrame
Frequently Asked Questions
What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.