Spotlight on Health

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the body has too much sugar in the blood. This happens either because the body does not properly produce or use insulin, the hormone that helps use or store sugar in the body. When there is too much sugar in the blood, serious damage like blindness, kidney failure and sexual dysfunction can occur.

It is estimated that nearly 18 million people in the United States have diabetes and almost another 6 million have diabetes but are unaware of it. In Hawaii, 8 percent of people have diabetes; that amounts to about one in 12 people who have or are likely to have diabetes.

Did you know that many of the lifestyle habits that help better manage diabetes can also help prevent its onset? According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), diet, exercise, and a healthy weight have been shown to prevent diabetes. One study indicates that combining a healthy diet and exercise can reduce the risk of diabetes by 58 percent. These are also valuable tools in managing a person’s condition once they have been diagnosed.

Healthy Eating

The ADA says that eating healthy is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. It recommends building a healthier plate by shopping smart and eating smart. Click here for more information.

Taking a little extra time to plan meals and avoiding items like soda and sugary snacks can help improve your diet significantly. Healthy eating is also recommended as an important lifestyle behavior for diabetes management.

Physical Activity

Physical activity can lower your chances for heart disease, pre-diabetes, diabetes, and stroke. It is also a great stress reliever and can improve muscle tone, heart strength, bone density, and more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults do two hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly and strengthening exercises at least twice a week. Click here for more information.

Weight

A healthy weight can greatly improve your health status and help lower cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. It is important for both preventing and managing diabetes. According to the ADA, even a 5 percent to 10 percent reduction in body weight (that’s eight to 16 pounds for a 160-pound person) can cause significant health improvements. For more tips on diabetes prevention, read the ADA Weight Loss Tip Sheets.

Diabetes Management

If you have diabetes, the ADA recommends remembering the Diabetes ABCs.

A: A1C – Get your A1C blood glucose test at least twice a year. Try to keep your A1C at 7 percent.

B: Blood Pressure – Have your blood pressure checked at every visit. Work to keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg. Have your kidney function (urine microalbumin test) checked by your doctor annually.

C: Cholesterol – Check your LDL cholesterol at least annually. Your LDL cholesterol should be below 100 mg/dL.

DE: Dilated Eye Exam – Have your dilated eyes examined by an eye specialist every year. Ask your eye doctor to send your results to your primary care physician or endocrinologist.

F: Foot Exams – Check your feet for sores regularly. If you have sores that are not healing, contact your doctor. Have your feet checked by your doctor at least once a year.

Set Goals

If you are trying to improve your health, manage a chronic condition, or keep fit, setting goals can help you reach your health aspirations. Make a list of short-term and long-term goals to strive for so you have small things to celebrate on the way to your big achievement.

Talk to Others

Nothing is better than having a group of people cheering you on or joining in on your goals. Share your goals with your family, friends and co-workers. When you meet a goal, find a fun, healthy way to celebrate together.