November is American Diabetes Month

Diabetes has become a common, but yet serious condition. Out of every 20 Americans, at least 1 will have diabetes and not know it. When diabetes is left untreated, overtime, it can cause high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, poor blood circulation, foot problems, eye problems, and nerve damage. You are at greater risk for diabetes if you are African-American, Hispanic, Native American or Asian American. If you are overweight, have a history of high blood pressure, or a family history of diabetes, you are also at risk. A pregnant woman diagnosed with gestational diabetes (occurring during pregnancy only) is at risk for developing diabetes later after pregnancy. Diabetes is checked by taking a blood glucose test. Your doctor will diagnose you with diabetes and teach you how to self-manage diabetes to prevent further health complications. Go to the National Diabetes Education Program at www.yourdiabetesinfo.org or to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org for further information about diabetes.

 

 

Diabetes is considered a chronic disease in which the blood glucose (sugar) levels are too high. People get diabetes when the body does not use insulin properly. For example, diabetes occurs when insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose, cannot keep up with the body’s demand for it. Large amounts of glucose in the blood, can damage blood vessels which can lead to other complications like blindness, kidney disease, amputations of limbs, stroke, and heart disease.

There are risks that you can control as well as risk that you can’t control.

·        Increasing age (if you are over 45 years, get a glucose test by your doctor)

·        Race/Ethnicity (African-American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander or Hispanic/Latino)

·        Family/Medical History

·        History of Gestational Diabetes(woman who has had gestational diabetes is more likely to develop diabetes later in life)

·        History of High blood glucose levels (a condition called pre-diabetes)

·        Obesity/Overweight

·        Physical Inactivity

·        Smoking

·        High blood pressure & cholesterol levels

You can lower your risks of diabetes by focusing on the risk you can control. For example, if you are obese/overweight, take steps to manage your weight by getting more physical activity and eating healthier. Talk with your doctor and nutritionist about developing a plan for weight management. If you smoke, seek help to quit. You will see lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels as a result of controlling risks.  

-being very thirsty

-urinating often

-feeling very hungry or tired

-losing or gaining weight without trying

-having sores that heal slowly

-having dry, itchy skin

-losing the feeling in your feet or having tingling in your feet

-having blurry eyesight

Check your glucose levels periodically. For better management of diabetes, your doctor will recommend that you check your glucose levels especially if you take insulin.

Know your ABCs. Ask your doctor about your A1c test, your blood pressure and your cholesterol levels.

Take your medicines. Always take your medications as prescribed, even if you think your diabetes is under control.

Be physically active. Regular physical activity helps your body use it own insulin more effectively. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity everyday.

Lose weight if you need to. Losing at least 10% of your weight helps to control blood sugar levels. Maintain a healthy weight.

Create healthier eating habits.    Choose more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Cut out fatty, fried and high calorie foods. Control your portion sizes. 

Get regular check ups, and keep up with your flu and pneumonia vaccines. Be sure to get a dilated eye exam and a specialty foot exam every year. People with diabetes are at risk for blindness and amputations. Discuss you flu and pneumonia vaccines with your provider.

Stop smoking. People with diabetes should not smoke. Smoking will worsen your condition. Smoking raises blood glucose levels making it more difficult to control your diabetes. Ask your doctor about a smoking cessation program.

For further information about diabetes management, visit: www.yourdiabetesinfo.org or www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov or contact the Diabetes Outreach Education System (DOES) at 1-800-486-0131 ext. 2126 or 2127.