Diabetes

U.S.-Mexico Border
Diabetes Project
Pan American Health Organization
U.S. Mexico Border
Field Office
(915) 845-5950
decosio@fep.paho.org/ruizrosa@fep.paho.org

Diabetes definition
Metabolic disorder of multiple
etiology (causes) characterized
by hyperglycemia with
carbohydrates, fat, and protein
metabolic alterations that result
in defects in the secretion of
insulin, its action or both.

What is diabetes?
The majority of intake of food is
converted into glucose.
The pancreas produces the insulin
hormone, which help the organism
to take advantage of glucose.
In persons with diabetes, the insulin
does not work. Therefore, the sugar
and the fat increase in the blood.

Symptoms of diabetes
Polyuria (urinating frequently)
Polydipsia (very thirsty)
Weight loss

Other diabetes symptoms

Continuos hunger
Fatigue
Dry skin
Frequent infections
Feet ulceration
Loss of sensibility in inferior
extremities (legs)
Erectile dysfunction

Types of diabetes
Type 1
No production of insulin
Initiates in childhood or
adolescence

Type 2
Deficient production or improper
utilization of insulin
Generally initiates after 30 years of
age

Risk factors

Risk factors
Family history of diabetes
Older than 30 years of age
Lack of physical activity
Sedentarism ( person with little
or no physical activity)
Poor diet
Excessive weight

Risk factors
Lack of knowledge on the
disease
No health care access
Consumption of alcohol and
drugs
Smoking
Cultural myths

Diabetes complications

Retinopathy (blindness?)
Nephropathy (kidney problems)
Feet ulceration and/or amputations
Hypertension
Hyperlipidemia (cholesterol?)
Erectile Dysfunction
Gestational diabetes (during pregnancy)
Diabetes and HIV

Diabetes complications

Diagnosis
Symptoms
(suggest possible diabetes)

High glucose in blood

(confirm if higher than 126 mg/dl)

Glucose in hemoglobin
(indicates quality of diabetes
control - higher than 7 mmol)

Treatment and control

Medications
(insulin vs. hypoglycaemic agents)
Increase physical activity
at least walk for 30 min. most days
Appropriate diet
vegetables
fruit
low in fat and carbohydrates
Lifestyle changes

Prevention and/or delay of

diabetes complications

Well balanced diet

Exercise
Medications when appropriate
Timely access to health care
services
No tobacco
No alcohol

Tips for healty cooking

Cook of boil meat insted of
frying
Take the skin of chicken before
cooking
Use less salt and sugar when
preparing food
Avoid fat

Tips for healty cooking

Use fresh or frozen fruit and
vegetables when eating or in
between meals
Use low fat chesse instead of
regular chesse
Use low fat milk
Drink fruit juice instead of powder
juice

Nutritional Pyrimid

CDC Webpage

Physical Activity
To control diabetes the
recommendation is to increase
physical activity, preferably
every day for 20 minutes.

Physical Activity
Benefits:

Lowers glucose levels in blood

Improves blood circulation in the
entire body
Contributes to weight loss
Improves physical and mental
wellbeing
Helps the body to utilize insulin
more efficiently

Physical Activity
Consult your doctor before you start
a physical activity program
Start you program slowly and
increase activity level gradually
You can choose the physical
activity that that you like to do