Life-Saving Diabetes Facts You Can Share With Others
29.1 million Americans have diabetes.
Eight million people have diabetes and don’t know it. Eighty six million people are pre-diabetic – they have blood sugar levels higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.
How can we stop these numbers from rising and start reversing the diabetes trend? Learn the truth about diabetes.
Then, live it for yourself, and share it with others.
I should get tested for diabetes by my primary care provider even if I do not have any known risk factors for the disease.
TRUE
“According to the American Diabetes Association, everyone should be screened for diabetes at three year intervals beginning at age 45, especial people who are overweight or obese. If other risk factors are present, screening should be done earlier and more often,” explains Tina Leap, RN, CDE, CPT, diabetes educator at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital.
If my laboratory blood tests show I am pre-diabetic, I will eventually have diabetes.
FALSE
“Lifestyle changes are powerful,” Tina emphasizes. “Exercising the recommended 150 minutes per week and eating more nutrient dense, lower calorie foods and cutting back on sugary foods and drinks can help drastically reduce your chances of developing diabetes. If you are overweight, try to lose seven percent of your body weight at a sensible, healthy rate.”
Diabetics are at higher risk of serious health conditions.
TRUE
“Diabetes is the leading cause of heart disease and stroke and can be attributed to many other health conditions, including blindness, so it’s important to stay out in front of it by getting checked early,” explained Tina.
MedStar Diabetes Institute at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital offers a diabetes education program recognized by the American Diabetes Association, which provides information and resources needed to take control of diabetes.
Physician referral is required when scheduling an appointment with a diabetes educator in Health Connections.
Call Health Connections today
at 301-475-6019.