BE MINDFUL OF YOUR HEALTH OVER THE HOLIDAYS

World Diabetes Day is November 14th every year. Diabetes is a complex and challenging disease that may affect someone we know personally. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important and includes healthy eating and being active. Did you know that being active decreases blood sugar and cholesterol? It is recommended that you exercise 30 minutes a day for 5 days out of the week. Individuals with diabetes have increased risk for eye disease, kidney disease, neuropathy (decreased sensation due to nerve damage) cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease and strokes.

It is very important to find healthy ways to cope with life as increased stress causes hyperglycemia or increased blood sugar. High blood sugars destroy nerves, tissues and cells. Signs and symptoms of high blood sugars are excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, hunger, blurred, vision, and wounds are slow to heal. Prolonged high blood sugars will cause Diabetic Ketoacidosis. In DKA the blood sugar is above 250 mg/dL and the liver breaks down fats to ketones. The ketones will be in the blood or the urine DKA is life threatening and requires hospitalization. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State or HHS is another complication of high blood sugars. Occurs when the blood sugar is over 600, the ph is above 7.3, causes severe dehydration. Signs and symptoms of HHS is patient is in a stupor or coma. It also requires hospitalization to replace fluid and insulin.

Hypoglcemia or low blood sugar is defined as less than 70 mg/dL. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia are sweaty, shaky, confused and irritable. Some common reasons are too much medication, increased activity, a missed meal or not eating enough food. The rule of thumb when trying to increase a low blood sugar is consuming 15 grams of quick acting carbohydrate (4 ounces of apple, orange or grape juice, ½ can of regular soda, a glass of cow’s milk, or 3-4 pieces of hard candy). Be sure to recheck the blood sugar 15 minutes after you’ve ate/drank 15 grams of carbohydrate. Continue this process until the blood sugar is above 70mg/dL.

There are different types of diabetes. The ones we will discuss are Type I, Type II, Gestational Diabetes, and Pre-Diabetes. Type I Diabetes occurs in 5-10% of those diagnosed, the beta cells in the pancreas are totally destroyed as a result the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Those affected must take insulin for life.

Type II diabetes affects 90% of those diagnosed with the disease. In type II, the pancreas is not making enough insulin. Type II usually shows no symptoms. You could be walking around with Type II Diabetes and not even know it! Some risk factors for Type II DM is family history, over 40 years old, being overweight, increased cholesterol, increased blood pressure, unhealthy diet, history of Gestational diabetes, pre-diabetes, being of African American, Hispanic, Native American and Asian descent.

Gestational diabetes occurs in 10% of all pregnancies. All pregnancies are screened between 24-28 weeks of gestation. Gestational diabetes is usually is resolved once the baby is delivered. There is a strong likelihood of having gestational diabetes in future pregnancies. There is a 60% chance of the mother developing diabetes.

Pre-diabetes is when the A1C is between 5.7-6.4% (A1C is the average blood sugar over the last 3 months) and fasting blood sugar is 100-125. When diagnosed with pre-diabetes lifestyle changes are necessary to prevent being diagnosed with diabetes.

ABC’s of Diabetes

·        A1C les than 7%

·        Blood Pressure less than 130/80

·        Cholesterol (Total less than 200 and LDLs less than 100)

Goals

·        Fasting and before meal blood sugar 80-130 mg/dL

·        2 hours after meal blood sugar less than 180 mg/dL 

Do’s

·        Keep a log of blood sugars.

·        Check blood sugar 2 hours after meal.

·        Monitor blood sugars at different times throughout the day to see the trends.

·        Diabetes Education

·        Annual Eye exams

·        Daily Foot Exam

·        Wear clean socks

·        Wear supportive shoes

·        Keep feet clean, dry and moisturized.

·        Inspect inside of the shoe before putting it on.

·        Visit your doctor regularly

·        Visit your dentist regularly

·        Rotate injection sites when injecting insulin.

·        Store insulin in the refrigerator.

·        Have your A1C monitored regularly.

·        When in doubt contact your healthcare provider or go to the Emergency Room

Don’ts

·        Skip meals

·        Skip medication (insulin or pills) when sick

·        Miss doctor’s appointments

·        Do not go barefoot indoors or outdoors

There are many treatment options for diabetes. Be sure to consult your primary care physician as diabetes is an individualized disease, what may work for one person will not work for the next. I can’t stress healthy diet and exercise enough, not just in relation to developing diabetes but for your overall health. Remember health is wealth! With the holidays around the corner I want you to be mindful of your health. Not saying you can’t have sweet potato pie, but have one slice instead of two or three.