Did you know 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes? That's more than 30 million people, and 1 in 4 of them don’t know they have it.

In recognition of National Diabetes Month, we want to raise awareness of diabetes and encourage those living with diabetes and those looking to prevent diabetes to make positive and healthy changes.

Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States and one of the main causes for disability. Diabetes can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other uncontrolled health problems. Although there isn’t a cure yet, you can prevent or reverse prediabetes and prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with simple, proven lifestyle changes like losing weight if you’re overweight, eating healthier, and exercising daily.

When you're managing diabetes, your diet plan is a powerful tool. Having a healthy diet plan is the key to managing blood sugar. On the plus side, you don’t have to give up your favorite foods to eat well. For example, eating out. While you can’t control the way the food is prepared or the calories in each dish, you can plan ahead, ask questions, and order food that both tastes good and is good for you. Tasty food can be one of life’s greatest pleasures, however, you will need to balance the proteins, fats, and carbs you eat to manage your diabetes and feel your best. As you continue to eat healthier, remember you're not alone. Don't let how you manage your diabetes isolate you. Share your nutrition challenges with others, this will not only help clear your mind, but hearing from another perspective can sharpen your resolve to stay on target with your diet.

Along with your diet and medications, physical activity is an important part of managing diabetes or dealing with prediabetes. Being active makes your body more sensitive to insulin, which helps manage your diabetes. Moreover, physical activity also helps control blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of heart disease and nerve damage. The goal is to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, or at least 20 to 25 minutes of activity every day. Here are some easy moderate-intensity physical activities to include in your daily life:

• Walking briskly
• Doing housework
• Mowing the lawn
• Dancing
• Swimming
• Bicycling
• Playing sports

Over time, diabetes can affect any part of your body. The good news is that you can prevent or delay many health complications by taking good care of yourself, which includes keeping your blood sugar levels as close to your target as possible, eating healthy, regular physical activity, keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol at the levels your doctor sets, taking medicines if needed, and getting regular checkups. It may sound like a lot, but it’s worth it to improve your health and feel your best.

Within our Patient Education and Wellness Program, our Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support services are taught by a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist who will teach you the knowledge and skills necessary for optimal diabetes self-care while incorporating your needs, goals and life experiences. For more information or to make an appointment, please call: (518) 713-5347.

Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/index.html

https://www.diabetes.org/