​​What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a very common and serious condition that many people may have without realizing it. The good news is there is a lot you can do to keep from getting type 2 diabetes. And if you do have it, you can still live a long and healthy life. There two type of diabetes:

• Diabetes

• Pre-Diabetes

 

Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not make any insulin (type 1 diabetes) or does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin very well (type 2 diabetes).

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Pre-Diabetes is a condition in which your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. If you have pre-diabetes, you are at increased risk for getting diabetes later on.

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However, the good news is, you can start taking steps to prevent diabetes by making healthy lifestyle changes.

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How to Help a Loved One Cope with Diabetes

Learn about diabetes. There is a lot to learn about how people can live well with diabetes. Use what you learn to help your loved one manage his or her diabetes. Try some of these tips:

• Find ways to help your loved one manage the stress of living with diabetes. Being a good listener is often the most important thing you can do to help.

• Ask your loved one if he or she would like reminders about doctor visit, when to check blood sugar, and when to take medicine.

• Help your loved one write a list of questions for the health care team.

• Help your loved one make meals that include foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• Find things you can do together such as walking, dancing or gardening. Being active is a great way to handle stress.

 

What are the symptoms?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, tell your doctor or healthcare provider if you should have a blood test for diabetes.

• Excessive thirst

• Blurred vision

• Frequent urination

• Fatigue

• Frequent skin, yeast or bladder infections

The good news is that for every factor except family history and age, you can take steps to reduce your risk for both diabetes and cardiovascular disease (heart disease).

 

Physical Activity Steps

Diabetes is linked with inactivity. If you become more physically active, you can decrease your risk for getting diabetes:

• Check with my doctor or healthcare provider to make sure it’s safe for you to begin a new exercise program or to increase your physical activity.

• Choose an activity that you like to do, such as walking, swimming or dancing.

• Start gradually and aim for 30 to 45 minutes of physical activity 3 to 5 days of the week

 

Continue to learn about managing diabetes by reading about diabetes online. Here is where to go for help:

National Diabetes Education Program www.YourDiabestesInfor.org

American Association of Diabetes Educators www.diabeteseducator.org

Academy of Nutrition and Diabetes www.eatright.org

Center for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/diabetes