Learning to manage diabetes can be confusing. Feeling overwhelmed? Learn the basics and get a handle on the tools you need.
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It's true that 24 million Americans have diabetes, but another estimated 5 million, or more, don't even know that they have the disease. National Diabetes Month brings diabetes to the forefront. Know the risk factors, and the signs of diabetes.
The holidays are a great time to reconnect with family and friends, and food is an enormous part of the festivities, especially at Thanksgiving time. When you have type 2 diabetes, it can be hard to stick to an eating plan especially when everyone around you is enjoying all of the holiday food.
Sometimes it takes a little planning to keep holiday meals in line with your healthy eating plan, but it can be done. Read here for some healthy ideas...
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When you've had type 2 diabetes for a while, you know what to do. But sometimes the stress of dealing with diabetes management everyday can cause a person to become "burned out".
How can you avoid burn out? Here's what you need to know...
It helps to have some coping mechanisms in place to help you over the rough spots. How do you cope with your diabetes over the long haul?
Join the discussion at...
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The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a large study spanning several years. The study looked at 3,234 people who were at a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and compared healthy lifestyle changes and weight loss, with taking diabetes medication, to see which preventative method was more effective at lowering the risk of being diagnosed with diabetes.
Participants who lost a modest amount of weight and kept it off, while increasing their physical activity, lowered their chances of getting type 2 diabetes by 34%. Participants who took the diabetes drug, metformin, lowered their risk by 18%.
Interestingly, people over 60 years old, who lost weight and exercised, lowered their risk by 50%.
Losing weight and increasing your physical activity are positive changes you can make that can give you some control over your health, even if your risk for type 2 diabetes is high.
More from your diabetes guide...
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Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. It is also the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. today.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
The retina is full of tiny little blood vessels. Retinopathy is the damage to the blood vessels of the retina, caused by prolonged high blood glucose levels. The blood vessels can become enlarged or clogged when blood sugar is high. They can also become weak and rupture. The retina can even become detached from the back of the eye.
What might you experience if you have diabetic retinopathy?
Retinopathy is not always noticeable in the early stages. It can progress silently for years without noticeable symptoms. Yearly eye exams are essential when you have diabetes. It's also important to keep blood glucose levels as near to normal as possible to prevent retina damage. If you notice any changes in your vision, call your eye doctor immediately.
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Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >
Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >
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