Roughly 30 million Americans have diabetes, but about 8 million are undiagnosed. That means 8 million people could be worsening a disease they are unaware of even having. Does that scare you yet? Do you know the diabetes symptoms?

There are many stigmas placed against diabetes like that developing the disease comes down to lifestyle choices and not a person’s born-in environment. We should all be aware of those with the disease. It is one that requires constant monitoring to prevent hypoglycemia- low blood sugar- that results in trembling, anxiety, or even seizures.

It is my belief that myths behind diabetes should be broken in order for the general public to understand a day in the life of a diabetic. Diabetics have to defend themselves from their own body’s misguidance, let’s not add to the stigma of their daily battle.

What are diabetes and diabetes symptoms?

Diabetes is a disease where your body can’t process foods as they should be. Instead diabetes causes sugar levels in the blood to increase and therefore results in the irregular metabolism of carbohydrates.  It either occurs when pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin or when the body is not able to properly utilize the hormone (insulin) it produces.

There are mainly three types of diabetes – Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes.

-Type 1: A small percentage of diabetes sufferers have Type 1 as it is usually juvenile-onset and tends to have fewer complications. Type 1 diabetes results when the body cannot provide enough insulin.

-Type 2: This is the most common case of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes tends to be a result of obesity, lack of physical activities, old age, or even heredity. Type 2 diabetes results when insulin isn’t being used effectively.

-Gestational: like Type 1 diabetes, gestational appears in a small percentage of women. It usually occurs during pregnancy but usually disappears postpartum. However, it is important to monitor the chance of Type 2 diabetes occurring later in life is you were diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Just like any other chronic ailment, diabetes also requires regular monitoring, care and medication.

Why you should take care of your diabetes?

There is nothing more important than being in good health. When diabetics’ blood sugar levels remains in control, apart from a sense of well-being, you also feel more energetic, often see weight loss and are just generally happier. Additionally, wounds heal faster, less frequent urination, reduced chances of bladder and skin infections, and less sensations of dehydration.

Managing diabetes reduces risks associated with the disease: stroke or a heart attack, eyesight issues, kidney, nerve damage, and gum and teeth problems.

 

 

6 ways to effectively manage your diabetes:

Diabetes is not a curable disease, but monitoring your diabetes symptoms managing your blood sugar levels within the normal limit could seem challenging in the beginning, but with discipline and determination you can overcome the odds pretty effectually. If you have diabetes or it runs in your family then you need to be careful about your blood sugar levels and take precautionary measures as prescribed by your doctor. Here are 6 ways that you should follow for effective management of your diabetes:

1. Awareness is the key – know about the condition.

If diagnosed, consult your physician about the precautions you need to take. Get to know how it affects your body and how can you control it. Join a support group, see how others are coping with their problem.

2. Always eat a healthy diet.

Nutrition is a key factor in every aspect of our health. If all of us partook in a daily healthy meal plan, half of our chronic diseases would disappear. I guarantee it.  You need to work with your healthcare team to design a diet plan that will not only keep your blood sugar levels in check but will also be one you’re likely to follow.

-Add lots of vegetables and fruit to your diet, especially those that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Some of the non-starchy vegetables include spinach, broccoli, mushroom, tomatoes, or carrots. Basically, eat the rainbow.

-Include fish, chicken, and other lean proteins. Be sure to cut off the fat around fish and meat. Cook mildly with healthy fats like coconut or avocado oil.

-You may have dairy but sure they are low in fat and in moderation.

-Say no to processed foods and added sugars like pasta, soda, etc.

-Experiment with your sweet tooth with seasonal fruit in your diet. Unfortunately regularly treating yourself to cake or ice cream can have a negative effect on your blood sugar. Try something like strawberries dipped in peanut butter.

-Snacking is allowed as long as it is low in carbs, sugar, and sodium. Think turkey/spinach wraps, rice cakes, apple and cheese, or protein berry smoothies.

-Drink water. Cut out artificially flavored drinks. Water, natural tea, infused water such as cucumber or lemon, are all healthy alternatives to sugary soda or fruit juices.

-Eating whole foods, natural grown from the earth will most likely help with weight loss which helps with diabetes management. However, portion control and implantation is still needed!

3. Exercise on a regular basis.

Combatting diabetes starts with diet but continues with exercise. For at least 30 minutes a day it is important to get your heart rate up. Consult with your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise.

-Go swimming or water aerobics.

-Go for a brisk walk outside or use a treadmill. His includes parking your car further away, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking the dog for a bit longer, just taking a few extra steps a day helps.

-Dancing is also a very good exercise for diabetics.

-Take up a sport like tennis to play with your kids or spouse.

-Ride a stationary bicycle inside your home while you watch your favorite shows.

-Swim a few laps in your swimming pool.

4. Avoid alcohol.

Alcohol can be damaging to any healthy person but especially so if you are a diabetic. Soon after consuming alcohol your blood sugar levels can fall and remain so for up to 24 hours which can be very dangerous for diabetics. Most diabetics actually have to receive permission from their doctor to have alcohol. If approved, keep in mind to drink it moderately and with food. Alcohol on an empty stomach with diabetic medication can have adverse effects.

5. Keep stress at bay.

Managing stress is easier said than done, of course. Prolonged periods of stress can cause your blood sugar levels to rise. A stressed out body produces hormones that raises your sugar levels. Exercise and right nutrition actually can help naturally combat stress. If you feel like that is not enough, seek help from a professional.

6. Take medicines as prescribed.

When you are not able to manage normal blood sugar levels with just diet and exercise, prescription medication is required. The efficiency of these medicines depend on the timing and quantity of the dose. Drug interactions should be taken into account but your doctor and pharmacist will know of any threats to your health.

Diabetes creates a trusted team between you and your doctor. You are both reliant on what the other produces. You have to act on what the doctor prescribes and they need to monitor your actions. If you are based in and around Lake Mary, Florida visit MultiCARE Physicians for effective and efficient management of your diabetes.

If you have diabetes or any diabetes symptoms like increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination, blurred vision, weight loss, fatigue and/ or wounds take a lot of time to heal you should immediately contact MultiCARE Physicians.

MultiCARE Physicians is a Lake Mary family practice offering family, pediatric, geriatric, women’s health care and urgent care medical facility where patients get comprehensive and compassionate medical attention.

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