Most of us have either known or heard stories about those with diabetes who developed vision impairment or kidney or cardiovascular disease. It’s easy, therefore, to be alarmed when we hear we have diabetes ourselves, as 38.4 million people do according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Keep in mind, however, that there are now so many ways to lessen the impact of diabetes. The good news is that much of the power over your condition lies with you.
Type 1 diabetes is when your body either doesn’t make or doesn’t make sufficient insulin. Type 2, the more widespread type, means your body doesn’t process insulin appropriately. Since insulin manages your blood sugar, those with diabetes have high blood sugar levels. These levels can be monitored approximately every three months with a hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test, which gives an average of blood sugar levels over that period. If you’re told you have prediabetes, your A1C levels are too high, but not hitting the threshold for diabetes.
If you have prediabetes, you may be able to stop the illness from developing with lifestyle changes. Once diabetes develops, you will likely need medication or other therapies (which may include insulin). However, good lifestyle practices, like those that follow, can greatly reduce the risk that your diabetes will ever develop into other dangerous conditions:
Watch for early signs since diabetes is easier to treat in early stages. The CDC estimates that more than one-fifth of those with diabetes are undiagnosed. If you are often very thirsty, urinating a lot, very tired and especially hungry, talk to your doctor. Those could be symptoms of the condition. See diabetes.org/about-diabetes/warning-signs-symptoms for additional signs.
Exercise regularly. Frequent exercise — both resistance training and aerobic activity — can lower your A1C levels if you are diabetic according to Harvard Health.
Improve your nutrition with the help of the American Diabetes Association, which provides guidance at diabetes.org/food-nutrition.
Make time for stress-relieving activities in your day, whether that means walking your dog, doing yoga, practicing deep breathing, journaling or visiting with a good friend. According to Diabetes UK, stress hormones make it more difficult for insulin to do its work.
Take advantage of the Eskenazi Health Center Diabetes Education Program (317-880-1320), a series of sessions from four to six weeks to help you manage diabetes alongside other patients trying to manage theirs. Sessions are offered virtually and in person. They are led by Eskenazi Health care team members, including a nurse, dietitian and pharmacist.
Good habits can greatly reduce the chances of having to deal with any of the alarming complications of diabetes. Remember that while you are changing your lifestyle practices, you should consult with your primary care provider, who can give you guidance along the way.
Broderick Rhyant, M.D., chief physician executive with Eskenazi Health Center Grande
Healthy Practices to Manage Diabetes or Prediabetes
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