Nearly one-third of the 17 million Americans who
have diabetes don't know it. Often diabetes goes undiagnosed because
many of its symptoms, such as increased fatigue or blurry vision,
seem harmless or a sign of aging. The cause of diabetes remains
a mystery, although family history and environmental factors,
such as obesity and lack of exercise, appear to play a role. Today,
people with diabetes can benefit dramatically from new ways of
managing diabetes that were unknown even a decade ago.
Here are some tips for determining if you are at
risk for diabetes, and how to maintain a rich and active lifestyle:
Symptoms of diabetes include feeling very
thirsty and tired, urinating often, losing a lot of weight,
blurred vision, and having cuts or bruises that are slow to
heal. If you are experiencing any of those, see your physician
and have your blood sugar levels checked.
Eat foods that are low in fat, salt, and
sugar, and high in fiber to control blood sugar.
Eat about the same number of calories per
day and never skip meals.
Get physical activity daily. Walking and
swimming are excellent choices.
Don't smoke. Smoking leads to heart disease
and poor circulation, conditions which are magnified for those
with diabetes.
Work with a diabetes educator to learn
all that you can about self-care.
Check your feet for cuts, blisters, and
swelling that can result from diabetes-related nerve damage.
Call your health care provider right away if you have sores
that won't heal.
Subscribe to Munson's "Diabetes: What's
New" newsletter by calling (231) 935-8200.
For a listing of diabetes programs:
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
