Diabetes: The Unexpected Killer

Have you ever noticed that a cancer diagnosis is met with extreme concern by friends and family, whereas a diabetes diagnosis doesn’t seem to carry the same gravity or weight?

Why is that?

Would it surprise you to know that, according to diabetesdaily.com, diabetes is responsible for 231,401 deaths per year, whereas breast cancer is responsible for 40,000?

Why then do we sometimes treat diabetes as a second-tier disease? Left untreated, it can ruin your health, your body and ultimately, end your life.

The truth is, anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, but most people who have type 2 diabetes are adults over the age of 40 (and the risk increases with age). Also, people who are overweight, inactive, smoke or have family members with diabetes are at a higher risk.

However, you can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Here are some simple steps to help lower your risk:

Eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to realize you have eaten enough and then can avoid going for seconds.
Try to choose whole grains when possible, unless your doctor has advised you to avoid them. Whole grains help you achieve and maintain a healthy blood sugar control and satisfy your hunger.
Avoid skipping meals. Skipping meals may contribute to slowing down your metabolism which can slow down you reaching your weight loss goals.
Add more fiber to your diet for good intestinal health and blood sugar control. You can do this by including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily meals and snacks.
Steer away from sugary drinks like regular sodas, sweetened tea, Kool-Aid. Your body can only take care of the sugar load for so long before it can’t process the sugar anymore and it begins to build up in your blood.
Try healthier alternatives for your drinks, like cutting up some of your favorite fruits or vegetables, placing them in a pitcher of water and leave it in the refrigerator overnight to allow flavors to infuse.
Prepare most of your meals at home to prevent eating foods high in salt, fat and sugar. By preparing your own meals you have control over how much salt and sugars you put in your food.
Create goals and make them specific. Example: I will create and healthy plate for each meal by filling half of my plate with non-starch vegetables, one-fourth of my plate with protein (i.e. lean chicken or beef) and the other one-fourth of the plate with whole grains (i.e. brown rice).
Remember, you can eat almost anything occasionally, if we practice moderation. Stay mindful of what you are eating, when and why. Try rewarding your successes with family time. Instead of seeking your pleasure from food. Or try something fun like riding a bike, playing ball or taking a hike.

Could you have diabetes and not know it? One in four Americans do. Ask your doctor to assess your diabetes risk.

And if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, Guadalupe Regional Medical Center is here to help. Our Endocrinologist, Joven Attia, MD, specializes in the treatment of diabetes. Dr. Attia focuses on educating and empowering patients to understand and manage their disease. To make an appointment, call 830.484.4204.

GRMC also offers diabetics and their families an exceptional array of educational opportunities to help support, manage and improve their health status. The Diabetes Education Program at GRMC, guided by our Certified Diabetes Educator Ann Camacho, hosts numerous classes and seminars empowering diabetic patients to live a full and healthy life. Call 830.484.4237 for more information on how GRMC can keep you on track with your diabetes management.

So, whether you’re in prevention mode or trying to manage your diagnosis, please look to Guadalupe Regional Medical Center as your partner in good health.