Class, we will now discuss DIABETES. What is it and why are most people diagnosed right before Thanksgiving? Just kidding...it was just me actually. Diabetes is the inability to produce the hormone insulin, in sufficient quantities (or at all) or resistance to this hormone. This can lead to seizures, blindness, organ failure, coma and/or death. Pretty cheerful stuff,eh?
Interestingly enough, many people know little if anything about this disease, even though they may be at risk. Things like: it runs in families, and if you had gestational diabetes, you are at a greater risk. It isn't caused by eating too much sugar, nor is it caused by obesity. Though these thing are factors in the management of diabetes. Most people are familiar with the fact that there are two types of diabetes, and that people with diabetes can behave strangely if their sugar management is "off".
It is referred to as "the silent killer" because many undiagnosed people have no clue that they have it. Coincidentally, I have heard: heart disease, high blood pressure, vascular disease and some cancers called "silent killers" as well. In fact pretty much any disease not involving the intestines has been called "silent". I am, however, certain that irritable bowel syndrome and spastic colon will never be referred to as "silent" for obvious reasons.
I think the term "silent" should be reconsidered however, because in my case it wasn' t silent at all. I simply had no idea that everything I was experiencing were symptoms. For instance, peeing all of the time, well of course I did, I was drinking a great deal of water, duh. Being sleepy after meals; absolutely, I worked hard cooking the bloody thing and washing up, why wouldn't I be tired. This went on for years. But recently, I dropped 20 lbs in 3 weeks and I was extremely hungry all of the time. While I would never question weight loss...unearned weight loss is worrisome.
Then I was informed that my doctor (the forth one in three years), whom I had never seen, was leaving and I was being assigned a new doctor who wanted all of my tests (three years out of date) brought up to date. I thought, okay, I am looking in the rear view at fifty...time to act like a grown up. I had blood tests and urine tests and my colon was photographed (I ordered 2 dozen wallet size for the Christmas newsletter). You would have thought I won the lottery the way all of the lights were flashing and the bells ringing. I had 2 e-mails and 4 phone calls with-in 30 minutes of having the test results.
I asked my kids if they had any information about any of the "silent killers" in health class.
"No, but I know where to get condoms and birth control pills for free...and I know who to talk to if I am abused or bullied", my extremely intelligent, over achieving daughter informed me. (Your tax dollars at work) Great, not really helpful at all, so I had a talk with my kids about my health, my family history, and how they should be taking care to avoid the pitfalls into which I have stumbled. It wasn't as difficult as "the talk" you know, about the birds and bees, but it did involve pointing out that I am not immortal.
So, my friends, look up the "silent Killers" and make yourself aware of certain signs. Talk to your doctor and be healthy.
Peace and love to you all.....
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