Navigating Diabetes in Vancouver

Did you know that someone is diagnosed with diabetes every 26 seconds in the U.S.?

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), nearly 1 in 2 Americans has diabetes or prediabetes, with the disease affecting 1 in 3 seniors across the country. With November designated as American Diabetes Month, now is the time to raise awareness about this chronic disease. Keep reading to learn more about diabetes and local resources that can help, including recommendations from our very own Community Liaison, Spencer Hess.

What is Diabetes?

The National Institutes of Health National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH NIDDK) defines diabetes as a disease triggered by elevated blood sugar, also known as blood glucose. Blood sugar is supposed to be used by cells for energy, and it gets to those cells with the help of insulin. Diabetes can impact the production and use of insulin, causing sugar to remain in the bloodstream. This can damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and is also linked to certain cancers.

There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

• Type 1: The body doesn’t produce enough insulin because the immune system attacks insulin-making cells in the pancreas. Those with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily.
• Type 2: This is the most common type of diabetes, where the body doesn’t use insulin properly. Risk factors include a family history of type 2 diabetes as well as obesity.
• Gestational: Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after birth but increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

How Can I Prevent Diabetes & Its Symptoms?

Diabetes symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Feeling very thirsty and/or hungry
• Increased urination
• Tiredness and fatigue

Even though type 2 is the most common, there are ways to delay the risk and even prevent it. For those who are able, it’s important to stay active and get regular exercise every week. Other lifestyle factors that may help include eating a nutritious diet and avoiding tobacco products.

Are There Diabetes Resources in Vancouver?

Among the millions impacted by diabetes is someone we know very well here at Griswold: Spencer Hess, our Community Liaison. Diabetics are told they can’t do certain things, but Spencer believes in shifting perspective and finding a way to make these things doable. Here are some resources that have helped him along the way:

• Gales Creek Camp for Children with Type 1 Diabetes offers a traditional summer camp experience for children and teenagers across the Pacific Northwest. Campers learn about self-care habits like testing themselves and giving injections while having fun with camp activities like swimming and hiking.
• The Chris Dudley Basketball Camp is a week-long camp for those aged 10-17 navigating type 1 diabetes. Their coaches, counselors, and medical team help campers learn how to play the sport while managing challenges associated with diabetes.

There are plenty of local resources for adults with diabetes, too:

• The American Diabetes Association Pacific Northwest Chapter provides resources to support diabetes patients and their families in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Idaho.
• The Vancouver Clinic offers diabetes education and nutrition services to help patients control blood sugar and improve overall health.

Learn more about Spencer and his journey with diabetes on our Facebook post here.

How Can Griswold Help Those With Diabetes?

At Griswold Home Care for Vancouver, we provide compassionate in-home care services like Companionship, Personal Care, and Homemaking. If you or a loved one is navigating symptoms associated with diabetes or could use support in making lifestyle changes to prevent the disease, our Caregivers are here to help. Give us a call to learn more today.