November is Diabetes Awareness Month
More than 25 million Americans have diabetes and the number is growing each year. Diabetes prevents the body from properly utilizing sugars from foods. The pancreas is the organ that produces insulin, which breaks down the carbohydrates in the food people eat to provide energy to their cells. When someone has diabetes, his pancreas isn't functioning well.
With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas isn't working at all. With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas works sluggishly and cells in the body become resistant to insulin, which can cause high blood sugar.
Symptoms include excessive hunger or thirst, frequent urination, irritability or excessive fatigue. Risk factors include a family history of diabetes, advanced age, higher weight or BMI over 25. High blood pressure and high cholesterol also can mean a higher risk of diabetes. People at risk for diabetes should avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.
A simple finger-prick can determine if someone has diabetes. Beebe Healthcare's Lab Express offers free glucose screenings from 1 to 2:30 p.m., every Wednesday, in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach (Route 24) and Milton (Mulberry Street). For information on diabetes testing, talk to a primary care physician, or call Beebe's Population Health to learn when they have free screenings at 302-645-3337.
Living with diabetes
If someone has diabetes, there are ways to help control it. Here are some tips people to live their best lives with diabetes.
Eat right. If someone has been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to follow a healthy nutrition plan. If people need help planning meals, they can talk to their physician about scheduling them to see a dietitian. It is important to pack the plate with greens, yellows and reds. Consider adding spinach, squash or peppers to meals on a regular basis.
Tip: Smartphone apps are easy to use and can help track calories, fitness, vegetable consumption and more. MyFitnessPal or similar apps can help people be sure they on the right track.
Get out. Everyone needs to make time for exercise in their days. Walking, biking or jogging can do a lot to improve health and keep weight and blood sugar under control. Take a brisk walk daily! Tip: Use a pedometer to track steps. Studies show those using pedometers or fitness apps on a smartphone are more likely to get their steps in each day. Set a goal and make it happen.
Find inner peace. Anyone be brought to temptation if they feel stress or anxiety in their daily lives. Prevent making bad choices by meditating to reduce stress and improve blood sugar levels. A daily quiet meditation can last from five to 15 minutes and can keep people centered and on the right track. For more information, call Beebe's Integrative Health department 302-645-3528.
Plan ahead. One of the easiest times to slip up on the health journey is during vacations or trips. Before packing up, plan ahead. Make sure to have had a recent check-up, be stocked up on necessary medications and plan doses around time zone changes. In addition, when traveling to a new place, do some searching in advance for healthy places to eat. If people is concerned about being hungry and not having a healthy option, they pack some healthy snacks such as carrots, celery, nuts or low-sugar protein bars. Stay away from overly processed high-calorie snacks and trade up to healthy fats in nuts and sweet whole fruit.
Lose it to use it. By dropping 10 percent of body weight, a person will feel better and his blood sugar levels will be easier to control. Diet and exercise are the best ways to make weight loss a reality, but it is also about sticking with your plan through weight plateaus and bad days. A commitment to weight loss is a long-term decision, so don't let life's potholes stand in your way. When someone loses weight, she often has more energy and will feel more able to live her best life.
Visualize the future. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to vision loss and even blindness. Keep an eye on blood sugar levels and if they are out of control, talk to a doctor or diabetes specialist about ways to improve the numbers. Also, make sure to schedule an eye exam at least once each year to make sure sight is not deteriorating.
Put the best foot forward. Diabetes can lead to foot injuries and in many cases, those with diabetes may experience a foot injury that doesn't heal and that you might not feel. Feet should be checked regularly, and there is a blister, cut or sore that isn't healing, a doctor can provide a referral to Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine.
Find a tribe. When someone is living with diabetes or is newly diagnosed, support is key. Join a diabetes support group like the one hosted through Beebe. For more information, call 302-645-3121.
When living with diabetes, it is important for people to know their numbers, exercise and eat right. Follow these tips to live the best life. For more information, go to www.beebehealthcare.org/diabetes-management.
