November is National Diabetes Month, a designation designed to draw attention to diabetes and on taking action to prevent health problems related to the disease.
As detailed by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at http://www.niddk.nih.gov., diabetes occurs when one’s blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. The disease affects about 38 million Americans, both adults and youth, but an estimated one in five people with diabetes don’t know they have it. An estimated 97.6 million American adults have pre-diabetes, which means their blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. The disease can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, and also is linked to some types of cancer.
The most common types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 patients have immune systems that attack and destroy the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can appear at any age, and insulin needs to be administered every day to stay alive.
Type 2 diabetes is the diagnosis when one’s cells in the body don’t use insulin properly. It is the most common type and can develop at any age. Those who are overweight or obese, are age 35 or older and have a family history of diabetes are at greatest risk. Ethnic heritage also can be factor.
The NIDDK advises these steps for preventing Type 2 diabetes or managing it after diagnosis:
• Take the A1C test to measure your average blood glucose levels. Some people with diabetes also use devices to track their blood glucose throughout the day and night.
• Plan healthy meals, be physically active, get enough sleep and avoid smoking. You don’t have to do it all at once. Start slow and build healthier habits from there.
• Take your medicines on time, even if you feel healthy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble taking your medicines on time or at the correct dose.
• Reach or maintain a healthy weight. Ask your primary care provider if healthy eating, physical activity or other weight-loss treatments may help you manage your weight. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of your starting weight. A Diabetes Risk Management Calculator at the http://www.niddk.nih.gov can help you determine how much weight you can lose to help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Take care of your mental health. Managing diabetes can be hard. If you feel down, sad or overwhelmed, learn about healthy ways to cope with stress, and consider talking to a mental health counselor or joining a support group.
• Work with your health care team. Managing diabetes takes a multi-faceted approach. The team may include a primary care provider, diabetes specialist, registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator. Ask your primary care provider if you should talk with other health care professionals about preventing or managing diabetes.