November is Diabetes Awareness Month – Lets Get Aware

From Bucktail Medical Center

November is National Diabetes Month, a time when we should all take a look at ourselves and ask, “are we aware of diabetes, what it means and how to detect it?”. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the sugar in your blood is too high. It affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. It is also linked to some types of cancer.

Know your risk for developing diabetes.
You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are overweight; are age 35 or older; have a family history of diabetes; are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander; are not physically active; or have prediabetes.

Manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Preventing diabetes or managing diabetes as soon as possible after diagnosis may help prevent diabetes health problems. You can start by managing your diabetes using the ABCs.

•A is for the A1C test that healthcare professionals use to measure your average blood sugar levels. Some people with diabetes also use devices to track their blood glucose continuously.
•B is for blood pressure. Keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level is ideal.
•C is for cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy Cholesterol level is important.

Take small steps toward healthy habits.
Lifestyle habits such as planning healthy meals, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and not smoking may help you prevent diabetes or manage your diabetes ABCs. You don’t have to do it all at once. Start slow and build healthier habits from there.

Take your medicines on time.
Remember to take your medicines even if you feel healthy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the correct dose and time to take your prescribed medication. A solid regiment of medications can help control diabetes.

Reach or maintain a healthy weight.
If you are overweight or obese, ask your primary care provider if healthy eating, physical activity, or other weight-loss treatments may help you manage your weight. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing weight. Speak with your Primary Care Physician about what your healthy weight should be and how to make safe changes to achieve your ideal weight.

Take care of your mental health.
Managing diabetes can be hard. If you feel down, sad, or overwhelmed, learn about healthy ways to cope with stress. Consider talking to a mental health counselor or joining a support group.
Work with your health care team.

Many people with diabetes enlists the help of a team. This team could possibly include your primary care physician, diabetes specialist, registered dietitian, or certified diabetes educator. Ask your primary care provider if you should talk with other health care professionals about preventing or managing diabetes. Having a strong support system of family and friends around you also helps.

Bucktail Medical Center’s Community Clinic is prepared to assist you with your diabetes education, prevention, and treatment. Feel free to make an appointment to visit one of our specialists by calling 570-923-1019. They are excited to help you.