March 24, 2020 is American Diabetes Association Alert Day! Every 4th Tuesday in March it is the hope of many that people who are at risk developing of Type 2 Diabetes will learn what they need to know to avoid or manage this disease.
Diabetes is a chronic illness where your blood sugar is too high because your body is not allowing the glucose in the food you eat to properly enter your cells, to be used for energy. Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone made by your pancreas that helps this process. In people who are Diabetic, sometimes their body does not make enough insulin or their bodies are insulin resistant so the sugar in your body stays in your blood instead of being burned properly.
There are several types of Diabetes but the most common forms of Diabetes are:
Type 1 Diabetes can be diagnosed at any age but it is generally found in children and young adults. People who have Type 1 Diabetes have to take insulin every day of their life because their body does not create insulin at all.
Type 2 Diabetes is most common in middle aged or older adults but it can be diagnosed at any age. People who have Type 2 Diabetes need help managing their blood sugar because their body does not make or use insulin well. This is the most common type of Diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes is related to pregnancy. Most of the time this type of Diabetes goes away after the baby is born but this may lead to the mother having a greater chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life.
Diabetes affects over 30 million American and many people do not even realize they have it. 84 million Americans have higher than normal blood glucose levels, a condition called Prediabetes. It is important to know that just because your have a higher than normal blood sugar test, doesn’t mean that you will get diabetes right now, or at all, if you are able to make lifestyle choices to reverse the direction of your numbers. If you are Diabetic you may be able to bring your blood glucose levels to a normal range, as well, with proper medication, diet and exercise.
Who is At Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes? People who are:
- overweight or obese
- aged 45 or older (although diabetes can show up at any age)
- in a family with a history of diabetes
- of African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American,
- Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander ancestry
- living with high blood pressure
- living with low HDL (good) cholesterol, or high triglycerides
- living with a history of gestational diabetes or gave birth to a child
- weighing over 9 lbs
- not physically active
- living with a history of heart disease or stroke
- living with depression
- living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS
- living with acanthosis nigricans (dark, thick and velvety skin around neck or armpits)
>>>Click Here to take the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test on the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease’s website
You can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes by making lifestyle choices that include regular exercise, eating a balanced and mindful diet, cutting sweets and losing weight. Please talk with your medical professional about any medications you might be taking that increase your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and changes that can be made to your Wellness Plan to help you prevent or manage this chronic disease.
At one time, Karen was Prediabetic, and although I do have Diabetes, I have been making healthy swaps for years, which led my doctor to believe that I may have been Diabetic for a long time without knowing it, because I was managing my blood sugar with the food and exercise choices I made regularly. When we found out what was happening in our bodies, Karen and I made changes. We stepped up our exercise to include workouts every day. We cut our sugar and salt intake. We drink more water. We try to get enough sleep and reduce stress. We eat more vegetables and lean meat. Luckily I have never had to take insulin, but I was up to 750 ml of Metformin twice a day. With the changes we made, Karen is no longer Prediabetic and my blood glucose levels are normal and I only require 500 ml of Metformin per day, which is the lowest dose prescribed. We will always have to be mindful of our lifestyle. Diabetes can change over the years and Karen’s parents both had heart disease which tends to lend itself to other issues but with proper diet and exercise and medication we hope to keep getting better and be thankful that Karen’s blood pressure and blood sugar is at normal for the first time in a long time and we hope to keep it that way.
It is important to have regular check ups to prevent and catch Diabetes early on. Everyone should have their glucose tested annually if they are healthy and more often if they already have Prediabetes or are Diabetic or have a family history of Diabetes.
Untreated Diabetes can lead to many complications later on. These problems include:
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Kidney Disease
- Eye Problems
- Dental Disease
- Nerve Damage
- Foot Problems
Diabetes does not have to be something you fear. It can be managed with proper care of your body. If you need help creating or maintaining your Wellness Plan please contact Karen G Clemenson at Wellness Works NW. She will be glad to help you create a plan that includes all parts of your wellness goals so you can live your best life.
Resources and Start Learning More:
- Diabetes Alert Day by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Staff
- Diabetes Risk Test by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Staff
- Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Staff
- What is Diabetes by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Staff
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I hope this article helps Fuel Your Wellness. Please leave your comments below.
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Summer D Clemenson co-owns Clemenson Enterprises and Wellness Works NW with her wife, Karen G Clemenson. Their personal motto is Creativity, Honesty & Positivity are a must! This mantra helps them stay community and wellness minded in all they do. Summer also writes poetry and inspirational blogs @ ClemensonEnterprises.com. Her crochet art can be viewed and purchased @ KnottyWares.com & she loves special orders!
