A balanced life with diabetes

One in 10 people have diabetes. Approximately 38 million adults in the United States have diabetes, with one in five unaware they have it. Over 54,000 Ohioans learn they have diabetes each year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes diabetes as “a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy.” Whether you’ve been diagnosed or care for someone with diabetes, understanding and controlling the condition is important.

Understanding blood sugar

Your doctor may recommend an A1C test with wellness checkups. An A1C test provides your average blood glucose levels (blood sugar) over the past three months. A result of 6.5% (140 mg/dL) or higher is generally accepted as a diabetes diagnosis. 

Maintaining blood glucose levels is crucial for controlling diabetes. The desired level for most adults with diabetes is less than 7% (154 mg/dL). Healthy glucose levels should be between 80 and 130 mg/dL before meals.

According to the American Diabetes Association, Type 1 diabetes means the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin, which helps our bodies control blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or use insulin properly. 

The American Diabetes Association says diet and physical activity are the two most important tools for diabetic wellness. Talking to your doctor is a good step toward modifying your routine.

“Diabetes can be managed with the proper treatment and lifestyle,” said Mohammad T. Ijaz, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Endocrinologist, who specializes in diabetes at Genesis Endocrinology. “I want to know about a patient’s daily activities to help them achieve their wellness goals.”

Resources such as finger pricking are available to track blood sugar. A more technological option, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), offers patients continuous real-time data. 

How CGMs work

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases describes a CGM as a small sensor placed under the skin, usually on the arm or stomach. A transmitter sends information to a smartphone app, receiver or insulin pump. Sensors should be changed every few weeks. 

There are many benefits to using a CGM:

• Blood sugar measurements are taken continuously.

• Easy tracking for food, beverage, exercise and medication activity.

• Alerts notify you and caregivers if your blood sugar is too low or too high.

• Detailed data can be easily downloaded to monitor progress.

• Information is sharable with doctors.

CGMs are available for anyone age 2 and older. Your doctor can help you understand the data and set goals for your progress.

"We see significant improvements in patients when they regularly use their monitors,” said Dr. Ijaz. “When patients are more aware of their sugar, they're more careful with their diet and daily activity.”

Your overall health

Managing blood sugar can also help prevent additional health concerns. The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetes patients monitor themselves for other conditions, including their eye, kidney, foot and heart health. 

Diabetes is the primary reason for blindness in people between 18 and 64. Heart disease and stroke risks are also higher, and approximately one in three adults with diabetes will have chronic kidney disease.

Neuropathy (nerve damage) and circulation concerns also need to be monitored. Taking care of your feet is essential to prevent infections, ulcers or calluses, leading to permanent damage or toe or limb loss. Talk to your doctor about the best footwear. Diabetic shoes are also available. 

Genesis Diabetes & Nutrition Education offers self-management education classes for patients and caregivers. The program includes a personal evaluation, classes and a follow-up session. Support groups are also available. For more information about the program, call 740-454-4568.