Diabetes Diabetes And Diabetes - 903 Words

Diabetes mellitus, often simply called diabetes, is one of the most common diseases in the world with approximately 7.8% of the American population or 24 million Americans suffering from the disease (Cuppett). Of this proportion, about 5.7 million people do not actually know they have the condition (Cuppett). This disease is characterized by the body’s inability to effectively produce or utilize insulin (Cuppett). There are three types of diabetes in which a person can be diagnosed with, type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is associated with the inability of the body to produce insulin and accounts for only approximately†¦show more content†¦Nutritional counseling, adequate exercise, annual eye examinations, podiatric care and insulin medication are all effective treatment used to counteract the effects of the diabetes in the body (Cuppett). Among the millions of Americans suffering from diabetes, there is a significant proportion that are athletes as well. Chicago Bears quarterback, Jay Cutler, Caroline Panthers defensive tackle, Kyle Love and Olympic swimmer, Gary Hall Jr., are all examples of professional athletes who have lived and played with such a condition (Athletes Living With Diabetes). With knowledge that â€Å"well-trained athletes are more sensitive to insulin,† it is important for both the athlete and his or her attending athlete trainer to be knowledgeable and observant towards the condition in order to provide the most effective treatment for the athlete (Frisch). It is the role of athletes to remain aware of their condition by monitoring and report to the athletic trainer their glucose levels, insulin intakes, medications, eating habits and presence or change in any symptoms. Likewise, it is essential for an athletic trainer to maintain a diabetes care plan for each athlete that contains information, such as guidelines for blood glucose monitoring, insulin therapy, recognition of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia as well as a list of all medications taken by the athlete (Jimenez et al). A diabetes emergency supply kit, which contains a copy of the diabetes care plan and blood