Agape Life

November is a time for families to come together and give thanks; and it’s time for a reality check. Are you taking care of your diabetes?

 

This month has been coined “National Diabetes Month” by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). In the spirit of diabetes prevention, the ADA is promoting their “America Gets Cooking” to Stop Diabetes initiative, and the diabetes basics.

 

Fact #1: You can be born with Type 1 diabetes; Type 2 diabetes can be developed over time.

 

Fact #2: According to the ADA, the following symptoms are typical for those with diabetes, however those who have Type 2 diabetes may have symptoms that go unnoticed.

Urinating often 

Feeling very thirsty 

Feeling very hungry - even though you are eating 

Extreme fatigue 

Blurry vision 

Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal 

Weight loss - even though you are eating more (Type 1) 

Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (Type 2)

 

Fact #3: Gestational diabetes is recognized as pregnant women who have high blood pressure during pregnancy, but have never had diabetes. Women suspected (or at-risk) of gestational diabetes often have no symptoms, and should be tested.

 

Many of us know a bit about the condition, but we don’t know the answers to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how we can get diabetes and prevent diabetes. Heejea Hall, Office Volunteer Coorinator of the Norfolk chapter of the ADA, helped us shed some light.

 

Question #1: Can pregnant women that develop gestational diabetes reverse the disease? Answer: Yes, it can be reversed. However, they can develop Type 2 later on.

 

Question #2: What is the one thing that you would have someone [who has diabetes] change, who just made the decision to commit to their health? Answer: Diet and exercise. We encourage people to live healthier lifestyles, and to work on their health therapy.

 

Dr. David G. Morgan, of Ambulatory Foot & Ankle Center in Hampton, has over 20 years of experience with the study of diabetes and the affects it can have on our bodies. He was Chief of Foot and Ankle Surgery at Langley Air Force; and worked with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Health Center. At the Health Center, the norm was an estimated 44 amputations a year, and after he got there the number went down 87%, saving the facility money and resources.

 

Question #1: How can diabetes affect your body; specifically your feet. Answer: Diabetes can affect your body in many ways. It affects the body’s ability to heal properly, its blood supply, and all of the organs in your body. Left uncontrolled, diabetes can affect the circulatory part of your body, along with the muscles and bones. The arteries can get thicker and can decrease the ability for the foot to heal. Diabetes left untreated can be a damaging condition, however, it is reversible and controllable.

 

Question #2: Is it true that you can’t get rid of diabetes, you can only manage it so you don’t need insulin? Answer: No, you can get to the point where you’re categorized as a “Diet Controlled-Diabeteic,” which is the same category as someone who has never had diabetes.

 

Question #3: What are the chances of pregnant women that contract diabetes affecting their unborn child? Is it possible for the child to get diabetes? How can women prevent that from happening? Answer: Gestational diabetes can affect the size of the unborn child. The baby won’t get the necessary nutrients, or oxygen that it needs.  Babies born to a gestational mother are not usually born with Type 1 diabetes. However, it can affect the child in other ways. To prevent gestational diabetes from affecting the baby, women should eat properly; limit the intake of starches and sugars, such as: bread and potatoes; and increase the intake of veggies. I personally recommend 5-6 small meals a day with veggies in most of the meals. Veggies have a better grade of carbs that are needed with fiber and proteins. Diet and exercise are the best ways to change the course of diabetes.

 

Lastly, Dr. Morgan cleared up a myth concerning diabetes.

 

“Diabetes is not incurable,” says Dr. Morgan. “We are now finding out that diabetes is curable. It takes work to cure Type 2 diabetes, and sometimes people don’t want to do the work.”

 

So, this November, ask yourself: “Am I at risk of diabetes? If so, am I taking the necessary steps to prevent it.”