FAQ'S
Listed below are some of the common questions Patricia Daiker receives about dealing with your diabetes.
If you have a question not listed below or want more information, please fill the below contact form.
What are the types of diabetes?
The more severe form of diabetes is type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes. It’s sometimes called “juvenile” diabetes, because type 1 diabetes usually develops in children and teenagers, though it can develop at any age. With type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks part of its own pancreas. Scientists are not sure why. But the immune system mistakenly sees the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas as foreign and destroys them. This attack is known as “autoimmune” disease. These cells – called “islets” (pronounced EYE-lets) – are the ones that sense glucose in the blood and, in response, produce the necessary amount of insulin to normalize blood sugars. Insulin serves as a “key” to open your cells, to allow the glucose to enter — and allow you to use the glucose for energy. Without insulin, there is no “key.” So, the sugar stays — and builds up– in the blood. The result: the body’s cells starve from the lack of glucose. And, if left untreated, the high level of “blood sugar” can damage eyes, kidneys, nerves, and the heart, and can also lead to coma and death. So, a person with type 1 treats the disease by taking insulin injections. This outside source of insulin now serves as the “key” — bringing glucose to the body’s cells. The challenge with this treatment is that it’s often not possible to know precisely how much insulin to take.
Type 2 (Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus)
The most common form of diabetes is called type 2, or non-insulin dependent diabetes. This is also called “adult onset” diabetes, since it typically develops after age 35. However, a growing number of younger people are now developing type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 are able to produce some of their own insulin. Often, it’s not enough. And sometimes, the insulin will try to serve as the “key” to open the body’s cells, to allow the glucose to enter. But the key won’t work. The cells won’t open. This is called insulin resistance. Often, type 2 is tied to people who are overweight, with a sedentary lifestyle. Treatment focuses on diet and exercise. If blood sugar levels are still high, oral medications are used to help the body use its own insulin more efficiently. In some cases, insulin injections are necessary.
Where does insulin come from and what does it do?
What is diabetes coaching?
How much does coaching cost?
Where do you do coaching?
Why is depression common with diabetes?
Denial – “There must be some mistake. Are you sure those are my lab results?’ “Not me, I just have a touch of diabetes.” “My sugars are always good, I checked it last week.”
Anger – “The doctor is an idiot. It’s not possible, no one in my family has diabetes”. “This sucks! I hate diabetes!”
Bargaining – “If I don’t eat any carbs and work out, I will be fine”. “I can take pills but I am not taking insulin”. “If God I promise, if you take this away, I will do whatever you want”
Depression -‘There is no hope”. “No one understands.” “I want it to just go away. I can’t do it anymore”
Acceptance – “Ok I am still alive.” “I still have choices.” “I will take control and do it on my terms.” “I got this.” “Diabetes doesn’t mean a bad life, just a few more things to manage”
Sound familiar? I think the emotional side of diabetes is far more difficult than the medicine and testing. We spend a lot of time in coaching exploring these topics.
What topics to do you speak on?
Both Sides of the Needle – a personal account of the chasm between the healthcare system and the patient experience
Dealing with Diabetes – what it really takes to live well with diabetes
The cost of Presenteeism – exploring the impact of diabetes in the workplace
Diabetes 101 – understanding the basics in a visual and easy to understand format
Non-c0mpliance – why it really doesn’t exist in healthcare (geared toward medical audience)
Empowered patient – the secret to improving health in America