Diabetes Awareness
November is diabetes awareness month. To help understand the importance of keeping blood glucose levels well controlled we want to share a few key points with you to bring you into awareness.
- Type 1 diabetes is not preventable.
- Type 2 diabetes is often preventable with a healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use.
- Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks and stroke.
- Diabetes can cause lower limb amputation.
- Only 50% of people with type 2 diabetes get the insulin they need.
- Treatment is possible when diagnosed early enough to avoid complications.
- Other screening that play a role in the diagnose is regular eye exams, foot assessment, and kidney disease.
- Do you or a family or friend smoke? Did you know that quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30-40%?
How does diabetes affect the heart?
Great question! There are blood vessels and nerves that control your heart. When your blood sugar levels are too high, the effect can be damaging to those blood vessels and nerves. If you have diabetes, you are at greater risk for heart disease and high blood pressure which leads to other complications. For example, high blood pressure increases the force of blood flow through your arteries therefore damaging the artery wall. This increases your risk for a heart attack or stroke.
How do I prevent having a heart attack or stroke if I have diabetes?
It’s a lifestyle change. Eat a healthy diet and aim for a healthy weight. Get active. Walk, ride a bike, take a stroll on the beach or in nature. Find something that you enjoy that helps improve your blood flow. Manage your ABC’s – your A1C – Blood pressure – Cholesterol – Stop smoking (don’t start). Manage your stress.
Always consult with your physician if you have any questions or concerns.
