Tips to Prevent and Manage Diabetes

More than 29 million American adults are living with diabetes, and 86 million have pre-diabetes. A majority (58 percent) of those affected by diabetes are ethnic minorities. According to the CDC, African Americans, Latinos, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islander Americans are at particularly high risk for type 2 diabetes. The burden of diabetes is much greater for minority populations than other populations. For example, 13.2 percent of non-Hispanic blacks, 12.8 percent of Hispanics, 15.9 percent of American Indians/Alaskan Natives, and 9 percent of Asian Americans have diabetes, compared with 7.6 percent of non-Hispanic whites. Certain minorities also have much higher rates of diabetes-related complications and death, in some instances by as much as 50 percent more than the total population. While a major part of diabetes management is keeping the blood sugar near normal levels, it is a disease that affects the entire body. Clinicians at CareMore are reminding all those diagnosed with diabetes or at risk for developing diabetes that keeping your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol within your target range can help prevent other illnesses and conditions associated with diabetes. “There are certain lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent or delay complications for your skin, eyes, teeth, heart, kidneys, feet and nerves, which are often affected by diabetes,” says Dr. Terence Rhone, Regional Medical Officer for CareMore. Medications can be beneficial but eating healthy, incorporating activity into your lifestyle, and managing your weight are key components. Thirty minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week can help to reduce risk of heart disease, improve blood glucose, and support weight loss. Additionally, avoiding tobacco products and limiting alcohol consumption are very important. Programs like CareMore’s Diabetes program empower patients to manage the disease with personalized plans and a proactive approach. Annual dilated eye checkups can help catch eye problems such as retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma early enough for treatment. Brushing and flossing daily in conjunction with visits to your dentist at least twice a year can prevent gum disease and periodontis. Dr. Rhone recommends getting a blood test to check cholesterol levels as recommended by your CareMore clinician or personal doctor. You may also be prescribed a cholesterol medication to help reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. “Kidney problems such as protueinuria (leakage of protein from the kidneys) and kidney failure can also be prevented by keeping your blood pressure and blood glucose levels under control,” he added. “You should have a urine test once a year to check for signs of kidney damage.” Dr. Rhone says diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) occurs when there is damage to the blood vessels that supply the nerves with oxygen and cause the nerves to stop sending messages, send the wrong messages or send the messages too slowly. This can lead to symptoms of numbness and pain in extremities and also increases the risk of foot ulcers. This is largely preventable when diabetes is well managed. “The most important thing you can do to prevent health complications due to diabetes is to keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels are within a proper range,” Dr. Rhone said. “This basic action is the first step in ensuring you are taking care of your body’s overall health.” CareMore offers a diabetes management program, diabetes education classes, and a diabetes exercise program at the Nifty After 50 centers for living well with the disease. Additional services include behavioral health for help with managing depression, routine podiatry for nail trims, and medical podiatry for more complex foot problems. For those who need help with smoking cessation CareMore also offers a smoking cessation program.