Defeat Diabetes Month

This April, we’re honoring Defeat Diabetes Month. As one of the most common chronic diseases, diabetes has the potential to cause severe health problems. Besides the daily vigilance required to manage the disease, people with diabetes also need to be aware of the many complications it can lead to. That why it’s important to think about how we can defeat diabetes for those currently dealing with the disease as well as through diabetes prevention. This month, take the opportunity to learn more about how you can take an active role in defeating diabetes. 

Tips for Managing Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is more common than most people realize. According to the CDC, over 34 million people in the U.S. suffer from this chronic disease. Shockingly, about 1 in 4 of these people don’t even realize they have diabetes. 

For those with the disease, it’s important to understand that there are many ways to manage diabetes besides monitoring blood sugar levels and watching what you eat. At Bella Terra Primary Care, we coach our diabetic patients on effective health strategies to help manage their condition, such as:

• Medication: Some oral or injected medications can help to either stimulate the production of insulin in the pancreas or limit glucose production in the liver.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity and exercise can help with blood sugar control. Try to spend less time sitting still and get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day.
• Quit smoking: The risk for a number of diabetes complications is significantly reduced when a patient stops smoking.
• Drink in moderation: Alcohol can cause blood sugar to spike or drop, so limit your drinks (one per day for women, two for men) and always consume them with food.
• Limit stress: Stress-related hormones can affect insulin production. Take steps to reduce stress and find relaxation techniques that work for you.

When diabetes is managed properly, people with the disease can lead relatively healthy and active lifestyles. However, when it gets out of control, the health complications can be severe or even life-threatening, such as nerve damage, cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and Alzheimer’s disease. That’s why it’s so important to defeat diabetes by applying multiple disease management strategies.

Understanding Diabetes Risk

If you think you’re not at risk for diabetes, you may be surprised to learn that over 88 million (about 1 in 3) adults in the U.S. have prediabetes. That means their blood sugar levels are elevated, but not high enough to qualify them for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Of the millions of Americans with prediabetes, over 84% don’t know they have it. Unfortunately, people with prediabetes are also at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Many people also have one or more risk factors that increase their chances of developing type 2 diabetes, such as:

• Age 45 or older
• Excess weight or obesity
• Having a parent or sibling with the disease
• Smoking
• Gestational diabetes
• Being African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, or Asian American

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Realizing that such a significant portion of the population is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes can be a turning point for many patients. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of developing diabetes.  

Think about the ways in which you can live a healthier lifestyle overall. Some of the most impactful things you can do to limit your risk of type 2 diabetes are:

• Lose weight: For many people, a weight loss of just 5% to 10% of their body weight (10 to 20 lbs. for someone who weighs 200 lbs.) can prevent or delay diabetes.
• Eat healthy: Eating less fat and sugar and more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is a great way to improve your diet.
• Exercise regularly: Start with something as simple as a brisk walk for 30 minutes per day to decrease your diabetes risk.
• Quit smoking: Smoking contributes to insulin resistance, so the sooner you can quit, the better.

Annual physical exams are important for monitoring medical concerns and getting firsthand advice from your doctor in terms of how to achieve your health and wellness goals. You should schedule regular physical exams to keep tabs on your overall health as well as your personal risk for chronic diseases like diabetes. Your physician can also provide you with more information and advice for incorporating healthy practices into your lifestyle.

At Bella Terra Primary Care, we can help you manage your diabetes through medical treatments and lifestyle changes. We also have a strong focus on preventive care, ensuring that patients can get the guidance they need to both understand their risk and take steps to reduce it. Schedule an appointment at our practice today or call us to learn more about our healthcare services.