What Do You Know About Diabetes

This week begins diabetes week so we thought we’d focus on what it is and how it can be managed.

At the heart of the matter is insulin, a much needed hormone for your body. Insulin comes from your pancreas and is responsible for managing the glucose (sugar) in your body.

Too little sugar is a problem.  Sugar that comes and goes is also not good.  This brings us to the two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2.

Getting a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes means your body does not make insulin.

Type 2 diabetes means that your body isn’t using the insulin created properly.

According to the CDC, in 2021, estimates for Americans living with diabetes was 38.4 million people or 11% of the US population.

Your diagnosis of diabetes increases by 29% if you are over the age of 65 and you are in the majority if you have Type 2 diabetes.

You must take insulin with a diagnosis of  Type 1 diabetes. Lifestyle changes can help too.

Your Type 2 diabetes diagnosis can mean insulin medication but it is also possible to manage it with lifestyle changes.  

Lifestyle changes:  Diet and Exercise

• Your diet should consist of lots of lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates like whole grains, beans and lentils and fruits.

• You should avoid refined grains, white rice, white flour, and snack foods made with refined flour.  In addition, food with added sugars, sweets and beverages like soda are off the list for you.

• You need to add exercise to your day.  Walking is great exercise.  Weight bearing strength training is important for your muscle strength.

Private Home Health Care knows that there is ongoing research to learn more about this disease.  We are hopeful for great outcomes for our county and our world.

Photo by Artem Podrez