By: Regina M. Gill, University of Maryland College Park Dietetic Intern Date: 11/29/10
Did you know that November is American Diabetes Month? As a dietetic intern and soon-to-be Registered Dietitian, I have learned that knowledge is critical in helping individuals and communities understand how a disease can potentially impact their health. Educating my community about how to live a healthy, nutritious life, with or without diabetes, is my goal.
Diabetes is a disease characterized by high blood sugar that results from the body’s inability to properly use or make insulin. Overtime, diabetes can cause damage to your eyes, kidneys, and nerves, and can cause many other health problems, such as heart disease.
According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 23.6 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes, and more than 1.5 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes since 2009. In addition, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been on the rise. While family history and genetics play a large role in type 2 diabetes, other factors, such as low activity level, poor diet, and excess body weight can significantly increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Whether you think you or a friend or family member might have diabetes, or you’re just trying to get educated, here are some important facts you should know about diabetes:
Symptoms
• Unusual thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Cuts that are slow to heal
• Frequent infections
• Tingling/numbness in finger or toes
How to Prevent or Delay Onset
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
o Try adding lots of veggies, whole grains, and lean meats to some of your favorite dishes, like spaghetti. Hungry between meals? Don’t forget the power of protein – try low fat cheese or yogurt. Sweets and desserts are not off-limits; just remember to enjoy them in moderation. Or, if you are seeking to satisfy your sweet tooth without taxing your daily calorie allotment, low-calorie sweeteners are an option.
• Increase your physical activity
o Take a walk during your lunch break or do sit-ups or push-ups during TV commercial breaks. Exercise doesn’t have to be “all-or-nothing.” Consider spurts of activity throughout the day.
• Maintain a healthy weight for your body type
o Maintaining a healthy body weight can decrease your risk for disease. Whether your goal is weight loss or maintenance, aim to balance the calories you eat and drink with the calories you burn through daily physical activity.
If you or someone you know has diabetes, now is a great time for you to help change the future of this disease. Join me in taking the opportunity to “share, act, learn, and give” to fight back against diabetes!
For additional information:
American Diabetes Association
American Association of Diabetes Educators
American Dietetic Association
Facts about Low-Calorie Sweeteners
Gestational Diabetes and Low-Calorie Sweeteners