Diabetes forum focuses on age, genetics

Type II diabetes, typically occurring later in life, now afflicts more young people and has shown links to age and genetics, says an expert who presents an overview of the disease at the Main Library today.

Christine Winters, diabetes education coordinator for Yuma Regional Medical Center, is conducting a presentation at the Yuma Main Library, 2951 S. 21st Drive at 11 a.m. in Room B.

Librarian Mimi Duncan said the presentation is geared toward all age groups and will allow for plenty of time to pose questions.

Duncan said her husband, John, who is 64 and a retired YRMC chaplain, developed Type II diabetes 2-1/2 years ago. John has been able to keep it under control with diet and exercise.

"Exercise is far more important because if he doesn't exercise, his blood sugar goes way up. So he walks 5 miles religiously every day."

Winters said Type II diabetes carries a genetic pre-disposition which means anybody who has it probably can find a sibling or parent who had it.

"What brings it on is poor lifestyle habits or it can be just age. The older you get, the greater the chance it can occur. It's just a fact of life."

Winters recalled an acquaintance who was the "perfect weight," physically active and led a healthy life style, yet she still developed Type II at age 78.

Winters recommends a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables with five to nine servings per day. Moderate proteins, lean (not fried) fish, meat or poultry is acceptable. Meanwhile, dairy products should be fat free, two 8-ounce servings per day of skim milk or yogurt per day.

Kidney disease is one major complication and diabetes is the No. 1 killer of people who go on dialysis, Winters cautions. And blindness or lower limb amputations can occur for people with unchecked diabetes.

Physical activity dramatically improves a body's ability to use insulin that keeps blood glucose in normal ranges. Any increase in physical activity is good but especially physical activity that causes the heart rate to pump a little higher than normal, she said.

"So intensity and duration of exercise needs to be up a little, makes you breath a little harder than normal. We're talking 150 minutes per week to have an optimum effect on diabetes."

The Main Library will have a display of general guidelines on diabetes and diabetes cookbooks. The presentation is free and will provide informational handouts.

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William Roller can be reached at wroller@yuamsun.com or 539-6858.