November 14th is World Diabetes Day, a time to talk about ways to prevent and manage diabetes.
More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, and an additional 84 million people in the U.S. are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This November, Phoenix ER & Medical Hospital is shining a light on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while living with diabetes.
Breaking it Down
There are two main kinds of diabetes, type 1 and type 2:
Type 1 is the most common form of diabetes in people under the age of 30 and makes up 10 percent of all cases. Type 1 occurs when beta cells, the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas, are damaged. The pancreas makes little to no insulin with type 1 diabetes, so sugar cannot be used as energy. Because of this, people with type 1 must use insulin injections to control their blood glucose.
Type 2 diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes, occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the insulin does not work properly. This type is found most often in people 40 years and older and makes up for 9 out of 10 cases of all diabetes. Type 2 can usually be controlled with a combination of weight management, diet, and exercise, but medications or insulin injections may also be necessary.
Other types of diabetes may result from pregnancy (gestational diabetes), surgery, the use of certain medications, or various illnesses.
Take Diabetes to Heart
This year, the National Institute of Diabetes partnered with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to focus on the link between cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The unfortunate reality is, adults with diabetes are almost twice as likely to suffer a fatal stroke or heart disease than those without diabetes. Over time, high blood glucose from diabetes can damage your blood vessels and nerves, creating serious heart issues. That’s why it’s imperative to take care of your heart health, along with your diabetes.
Here’s how you can maintain a healthy lifestyle:
1. Stop smoking or using tobacco products
Smoking can make your body more resistant to insulin, which leads to higher blood sugar levels. This can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening problems for your kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. Avoiding tobacco in all forms is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
2. Watch your ABC’s
In order to change your lifestyle for the better, you have to look at what you practice. The closer you follow a routine, the more it will become like second nature. Implementing good habits, like managing your ABC’s, can help majorly improve your health.
A: A1C
A1C is a test that measures the average amount of sugar in your blood. Based on how well your blood sugar levels are controlled, an A1C test is recommended every 3-6 months.
B: Blood pressure
The American Diabetes Association recommends a blood pressure goal of less than 140/90 mmHg for adults with type two diabetes. Click here to learn how to check your blood pressure at home so you can monitor your levels frequently.
C: Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol found in blood; LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, and HDL, or “good” cholesterol. LDL is bad because it clogs blood vessels, while HDL is good because it flushes LDL out of your arteries. Cutting out saturates fats and trans fats and adding omega 3-fatty acids to your diet can help keep your cholesterol levels in check.
Get moving
One of the easiest ways to improve your health is to live your life through movement. The more physically active you are, the more sensitive your body is to insulin, which helps manage your diabetes. Exercise also helps control blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of nerve damage and heart disease.
We Can Help
If you or a loved one needs to get tested for diabetes, or are experiencing a diabetic emergency, visit Phoenix ER & Medical Hospital for assistance. Our in-house laboratory services provide same-day results to ensure the most efficient diagnosis and effective treatment for our patients.
No matter what type of medical emergency may arise, our highly-trained staff is here for you. Stop by our newly opened facility on the SW corner of Dobson & Queen Creek Road for unbeatable care.
Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Phoenix ER & Medical Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.
Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Phoenix ER & Medical Hospital, or any of our concierge-level medical facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
