FORT LEE. Va. (Dec. 14, 2017) -- Healthcare professions encourage patients to learn more about diabetes as a first step to combating its dangerous effects.
According to the American Diabetes Association, every 21 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes. A diagnosis of diabetes means one is more likely to develop complications involving the heart, nerves, kidneys or eyes. The commitment of the staff at Kenner Army Health Clinic to improving the health of the Fort Lee community places emphasis on beneficiaries taking an active role with their own health.
In 1958, there were 1.5 million people with diabetes compared to 30.3 million in 2015. About 7.2 million are undiagnosed. Additionally, an estimated 86 million Americans age 20 and older have pre-diabetes, a condition that may, with time, develop into full diabetes. The Mayo Clinic lists the following as increasing one's risk to developing pre-diabetes: being overweight, physical inactivity, family history of type 2 diabetes, advancing age, race and history of gestational diabetes.
Diabetes prevention is proven, possible and powerful. Kenner Army Health Clinic has many resources for patients to achieve good health and prevention.
The ADA states that, often, there are no clear symptoms during the initial stages of diabetes (pre-diabetes), so people may have it and not be aware of it. During the later stages, some may experience extreme thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, cuts that are slow to heal, tingling in the hands or feet, and/or blurred vision. Often there are no symptoms at all and one must be diagnosed by a health care professional. According to research, damage to one's body may already be occurring during pre-diabetes. Consider pre-diabetes as a warning sign. Making small changes early in the course of the disease may delay or even halt some of the damaging effects. Suggestions such as those listed below, when added to the daily routine, may help.
Talk with a primary care provider about diet and exercise. Changes to diet or beginning or changing a fitness program should be undertaken as a shared plan between you and a provider. A provider's advice may depend on overall health, such as, the condition of the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, feet and nervous system.
Talk with providers about joint or bone problems that make it difficult to exercise. There are a wide variety of choices of exercises that will decrease impact to sensitive joints. Read more at www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise-and-chronic-disease/MY02165.
Ask providers about how increasing activity levels might impact any medications taken for chronic conditions like blood pressure and heart problems.
Check feet daily for red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. If people cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help. Go to this website for more information on self-exams and care. Read more www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/foot-complications/foot-care.html.
Suggestions for meals can be found by visiting https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/nutrition-exercise/meal-planning/holiday-meal-survival-guide.
Those with diabetes or pre-diabetes should work with a Kenner primary care team to reduce the risk of complications. To make an appointment with a provider care team, call 1-800-LEEKAHC (877) 533-5242
Social Sharing