Diabetes Health

Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to respond to the sugar and carbs that we eat. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to absorb and use glucose (sugar) as fuel for the body’s cells. Without a properly functioning insulin signaling system, blood glucose levels become elevated and other metabolic abnormalities occur, leading to the development of serious, disabling complications. 

According to Healthy People 2020 Diabetes affects an estimated 23.6 million people in the US and is the 7^th leading cause of death. 

Most Vulnerable Populations:

Diabetes is most common in people 60 years and older. As the population in the United States (US) ages, especially as the number of persons aged 60 years and older grows, an increased number of people with diabetes is expected. 

The health toll of diabetes is expected to worsen before it improves, especially in vulnerable populations. The high-risk population includes Hispanics at 24.4%, African Americans at 20.9% and Asians at 21.0%. 

Westernization, which includes high fat and processed food diet as well as total calories, has been associated with a greater number of overweight people in the US compared to a decade ago. These conditions and behaviors explain the increasing diagnosis of type two diabetes. 

The first line of defense in the fight against diabetes is prevention. This is considered the primary level of prevention. Weight management is essential in the prevention of diabetes. Daily physical activity like walking and eating a healthy diet of whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables are all important components in weight management. 

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, know that you are not alone. At this point it is time to exercise the secondary level of prevention which includes controlling your glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. Learning to check your blood sugar as ordered by your doctor and taking your medication daily to prevent complications. 

The last level of prevention is to ensure that you are getting regular screens for early complications like eye, foot and kidney abnormalities, followed by appropriate treatment.

Levels of Prevention:

Diabetes is a wasteful disease. Strategies to prevent or lessen the burden of the disease include, but are not limited to:

Primary: Includes activities aimed at preventing diabetes from occurring in susceptible populations or individuals.

Secondary: Includes early diagnosis and effective control of diabetes to avoid or at least delay the progress of the disease.

Tertiary: Includes measures taken to prevent complications and disabilities due to diabetes.

Future Prevention Techniques:

Type two diabetes can be prevented… by losing a small amount of weight and getting 30 minutes of physical activity a day. A brisk walk will due to assist with diabetes prevention and blood sugar control. 

The key is small steps that lead to big rewards. When you take small steps to prevent diabetes, you will also lower your risk for possible complications like blindness, kidney and heart disease.

Effective therapy can prevent or delay diabetic complications. Effective therapy includes glucose monitoring.

Get Tested:

The most common test used to measure blood sugar levels is the glucose test. This is where a small blood sample is taken to measure the amount of sugar in your blood stream. The normal levels are 60-120mg/dl. If your test returns greater than 120 after a 12 hour fast, your doctor may order an A1C. 

For more information about diabetes and ways to prevent the disease and or symptoms related to the disease or to get a free blood glucose test, Shemika NP-C can be reached by calling 323. 596.3530 we would love to help. 

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