In recognition of November’s health awareness of diabetes, we previously looked at what diabetes is and the different types of diabetes. Once diagnosed with diabetes there are healthy lifestyle choices one can make to manage symptoms. There are also certain risk factors, that if you have prediabetes, you should be aware of and take steps to lower your risk of developing diabetes. Let us first take a look at some of these risk factors for developing type 2 Diabetes according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). They are as follows:
- Being overweight
- Exercising less than 3 times per week
- Those who are over 45 years of age
- Family history of diabetes
- Certain races and ethnicities are at higher risk
- Those who have prediabetes or had gestational diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or are helping a friend or loved one in managing their health, there are actions you can take to manage your blood sugar, food, and medications. Before starting any of these tips, please check with your healthcare provider. Often, many people diagnosed with diabetes meet with a dietician or diabetes educator who can assist with tailoring a specific plan for you. Talk with your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have with managing your diabetes. Here are some tips from the CDC to manage your diabetes and also help prevent development of any complications:
- Be physically active
- Check your blood sugar regularly as advised
- Take all medications as prescribed
- Check your feet, skin and eyes for signs of infection
- Stop smoking
- Check blood pressure and cholesterol regularly
In addition to the information from the CDC there are many resources available to help you or your loved one manage their diabetes. Here is the link to the CDC source and from there, they list many additional resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/features/livingwithdiabetes/index.html
