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It's National Diabetes Month


Take Control of Your Blood Sugar

Friday, October 21st, 2022Diabetes, General, Men's Health, Prevention, Women's Health

Diabetes is a common yet complex disease, and while the treatment goal for all patients is the same – to stabilize and maintain healthy blood glucose levels to prevent serious complications – successful prevention and management require a treatment plan tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of each individual patient. By understanding blood sugar, communicating effectively with your healthcare team, and committing to a healthy lifestyle, you can manage, delay, or even prevent diabetes.

Understanding Blood Glucose

The carbohydrates and sugars in what you eat and drink turn into glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that helps the body’s cells take up glucose from the blood and lower blood sugar levels. In type 2 diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells because:

  • The body fails to produce insulin correctly, or
  • The pancreas fails to make enough insulin

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

  • Family history of diabetes
  • Overweight
  • Physical inactivity
  • Age 45 or older
  • Race *
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Diagnosis of prediabetes
  • History of gestational diabetes
* African Americans, American Indians, Hispanics/Latinos are among those at higher risk

Controlling Your Blood Sugar: Tips for Success


Lose Weight and Keep it Off
  • Decrease visceral (belly) fat
  • You may prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5-7% of your starting weight (Example: if you weigh 200 pounds, your goal would be to lose 10-14 pounds)

Exercise
  • Perform 30 minutes of physical activity 3-5 times per week
  • Increase muscle mass through strength training

Eat Healthier
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables and fewer processed foods
  • Stay away from juices and sodas
  • When eating carbohydrates, pair with a healthy fat or a lean protein


It’s also National Smoking Cessation Month


Your first day without cigarettes can be difficult. There are steps you can take to help you stay smokefree, both now and long term.

Here are five steps to handle your quit day and gain confidence about staying quit:

  • Stick to Your Plan
  • Get Support
  • Stay Busy
  • Avoid Smoking Triggers
  • Stay Positive

Get Support:
QuitGuide is a free app that helps you understand your smoking patterns and build the skills needed to become and stay smokefree.

Use the app to track your cravings by time of day and location, and get motivational messages for each craving you track.


People with diabetes are at higher risk for serious health complications:


  • Heart Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Stroke
  • Blindness
  • Nerve Damage
  • Foot Problems
  • Limb Amputation




You Might Also Like:
Diabetes & Lifestyle
Insulin Resistance
Resources:
  • https://smokefree.gov/stay-smokefree-good/stick-with-it/how-to-stay-smokefree
  • https://smokefree.gov/quit-smoking/getting-started/steps-to-manage-quit-day

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  • Chronic Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Men’s Health
  • Nutrition
  • Prevention
  • Safety
  • Women’s Health

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