There are over five million people with diabetes and many are unaware of the problem and its health effects. It is becoming increasingly important that we educate ourselves to know the early signs and know how to prevent diabetes whenever possible.

Prevention is the key

Pregnancy complications are just the beginning. In addition to heart disease and strokes, diabetes is a major cause of blindness and kidney failure in adults. If this is not prevented, diabetes can also result in amputation of the lower extremities and foot ulcers. Diabetes education can help to avoid all of these problems.

Type 2 diabetes, the most common type of diabetes, can potentially be prevented with the simple improvement of diet and exercise. You may reduce the likelihood of getting the disease by reducing sugars, sweets, soft drinks, and fruit juices and replacing them with whole grains, vegetables, and whole fresh fruits. Of course, portion control is also important to be effective. In combination with the reduced sugar diet, the chances of preventing or eliminating type 2 diabetes can be increased. In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, you also increase your chances of avoiding this disease. If caught early and when changes are made, people with pre-diabetes can see a significant reduction in the progression of the disease.

What to do if you are diagnosed with diabetes?

Although there is a charge for participating in education classes(such as classes offered for diabetes education), your insurance company may pay part of the cost. Your doctor is another source of information and may be able to instruct you. Diabetes education can often be achieved by simply talking to friends and relatives who have the disease. Since diabetes management can help so much with type 2 diabetes, it should be part of everyday life. Everyone should know how their diet can affect their health. Diabetic education is there for everyone!

What should be included in diabetic education?

One main concern of diabetics is the monitoring of blood glucose levels, which may affect the patient’s medicine (as prescribed by a clinician), the standard of living, diet, weight control, and mobility. A high-quality diabetes program should include these features of diabetic monitoring. Diabetes management is something that cannot be done without help from a clinician. Depending on the severity of the disease, it may be necessary for a patient to take prescribed medication or inject insulin.

Knowledge about the daily diet

Medicine alone may not manage diabetes well. Transformations in the diet often must be made. It is important that you know how to deal with everyday illness and associated illness.

Dealing with diabetes is a constant commitment that brings with it many lifestyle changes. It is extremely important to support family and friends who may be diabetic. Regardless of the type of diabetes one is diagnosed with, it can change your life and that of your family. Remember, with proper diet and exercise, most people can reduce the effects or reverse the symptoms of this disease. It is paramount to work closely with a doctor or clinician to ensure you are doing everything you can to manage this disease.

*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.