This day was created to bring awareness to the diagnosis of Diabetes, known as a “silent killer” because many times, people do not have symptoms until the diagnosis is more advanced. Additionally, diabetes can cause 9 other serious medical problems. For this reason, we are working along with the American Diabetes Association to bring awareness to the diagnosis of diabetes. It is estimated that 25% of people with diabetes don’t know that they have the disease! Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.
Risk factors and symptoms of diabetes:
As above, at times, diabetes can be asymptomatic. For this reason, it is important to see your healthcare provider yearly for screening and labs if indicated. You can also take a test online through the American Diabetes Association to estimate your risk of developing diabetes. If you have a family history of diabetes or if you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you may be at an increased risk for developing diabetes. Some symptoms associated with diabetes are increased hunger, increased thirst, and increased urination. Your urine or breath may also have a “fruity” odor. You may lose or gain weight unexpectedly.
Early diagnosis:
If diabetes is caught early, it may be feasible to manage the disease with diet and lifestyle changes. Depending on the, there is also the possibility of managing diabetes with diet and lifestyle changes along with medications. In a nutshell, the earlier your diabetes diagnosis is made, the less invasive the treatment plan will be.
Diabetes prevention:
If you have a family history of diabetes, there are things that you can do to lessen your chances of developing diabetes. Following a low carbohydrate (pasta, bread, potatoes, desserts, sugary foods, etc., sugary beverages) diet, exercising if able, and meeting with a health coach are a few options. Talk to your health care provider about diabetes at your next appointment.
By: Gwyn Morson, FNP
Source:
https://nationaltoday.com/american-diabetes-association-alert-day/
Mental health counseling can benefit people struggling with emotional difficulties, life challenges, and mental health concerns. In therapy, people learn to cope with symptoms that may not respond to treatment right away. Research shows the benefits of therapy last longer than medication alone.
Even when everything goes according to plan, the holidays can be stressful. We get out of our usual sleep and work patterns, we may travel, eat out more, attend parties, have house guests—all of which can disrupt normal routines and, consequently, may disrupt the management of diabetes.
November is American Diabetes Month- a time to take action together, as a community. Together, we stand greater than diabetes.