Diet, Fitness and Preventing Diabetes
We strive to include ‘cuteness’ in our monthly blogs. This blog isn’t cute or funny, but it can save your life. In a room of four people, one of the four has undiagnosed diabetes. Is it you?
Uncontrolled diabetes causes nerve damage to our feet. It can also affect our vital organs including our kidneys, heart and the brain. Diabetes is also the primary cause of blindness today. November is Diabetes Awareness Month and understanding what diabetes is, and how to prevent it is our best defense against it.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) explains type 1 diabetes, primarily found in child and young adults, as “….the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks down the carbohydrates you eat into blood sugar that it uses for energy—and insulin is a hormone that the body needs to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body.”
The ADA explains type 2 diabetes as “the most common form of diabetes—and it means that your body doesn’t use insulin properly.”
How can I tell if I have diabetes?
Below is a list of diabetes warning signs from medicinenet.com.
- Excessive thirst and hunger
- Frequent urination (from urinary tract infections or kidney problems)
- Weight loss or gain
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Nausea
- Skin infections
- Darkening of skin in areas of body creases (acanthosis nigricans)
- Breath odor that is fruity, sweet, or an acetone odor
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
If you or anyone you know has these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. The International Diabetes Federation, ADA, and medical professionals agree that maintaining a regular fitness program and a healthy diet are essential in preventing type 2 diabetes.
Embracing a healthy lifestyle is our strongest weapon against diabetes!
Diabetes can be managed but everyone agrees that prevention is the best alternative. Below are links that provide additional information about diabetes. Please see a doctor if you have additional questions.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/p0610-diabetes-report.html
https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes
https://www.medicinenet.com/diabetes_symptoms_in_men/article.htm
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