November is National Diabetes Month

High blood sugar or hyperglycemia happens for a couple of reasons that have to do with insulin production.  Insulin is a hormone that the pancreas produces and is a necessary tool for your cells to use the glucose you consume for energy.  When you are insulin resistant, the cells do not “recognize” the insulin your body is making and so the glucose stays in your bloodstream.  Another reason for hyperglycemia is that your pancreas can’t produce insulin at all.  This is the case with type 1 diabetics, although most type 2 diabetics eventually stop producing insulin as well.

How is Diabetes Managed?

For those who have diabetes, managing the disease means taking measures to control your blood glucose levels so that they stay in a healthy range.  This is extremely important as complications of poorly-managed diabetes can include blindness, kidney failure, poor wound healing and even stroke or heart attack.

The three most important elements of diabetes management include self blood glucose monitoring (i.e. checking your blood sugars), diet and medications.  Diabetics are encouraged to check their blood sugars several times a day in order to know if they are in the healthy range.  Since the glucose in our blood comes from the food we eat, diet is a pivotal part of managing diabetes.  Carbohydrates which include grains, fruit and sweets should be limited in the diet in order to keep blood glucose levels from spiking.  And finally, medications including pills and insulin injections, work in different capacities to help keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range.

Being overweight and having a family history are two strong risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes.  If you think you may be at risk, talk with your doctor, a registered dietitian, a certified diabetes educator or any health care professional about prevention.  You can also check out these great resources for more information:

http://www.diabetes.org/

Healthfully Yours,