The prevalence of diabetes is rising at an alarming rate, and it’s not just impacting adults. It can start at a young age, making the lives of our children more complicated than it already is. 

This is a condition you don’t want to develop as it usually requires frequent monitoring and management, and of course, because it can be life-threatening.  November has been dedicated to Diabetes and  raising awareness about this disease as part of American Diabetes Awareness Month.  AFC Urgent Care New Bedford is encouraging everyone to get their blood sugar levels checked in time for the holidays. AFC Urgent Care New Bedford has also created a guideline to help you understand Diabetes a little bit more. 

How Bad Can Diabetes Really Be?

Diabetes is a long-lasting health condition that affects how your body processes food for energy. When you eat, most of your food turns into sugar (glucose) and enters your bloodstream. When your blood sugar rises, your pancreas releases insulin, acting like a key to let the sugar into your body's cells for energy.

However, in diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it properly. This leads to excess blood sugar, which can cause serious health issues like heart disease, vision problems, and kidney disease. While there's no cure for diabetes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can greatly benefit those with the condition.

Diabetes comes in a few types: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes.

• Type 1 Diabetes: In this type, your pancreas doesn't make insulin or produces very little. Insulin is crucial for moving sugar into your body's cells, so without it, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Here, your body's cells don't respond well to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance. To compensate, your pancreas produces more insulin, but eventually, it can't keep up, leading to high blood sugar levels and potentially prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
• Gestational Diabetes: This type develops during pregnancy in women who didn't have diabetes previously. It's linked to insulin production issues during pregnancy.

Recognizing the warning signs of diabetes is vital. Symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, constant hunger, blurred vision, numb or tingling extremities, fatigue, dry skin, slow-healing sores, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Managing diabetes effectively involves various strategies:

For Type 1 Diabetes:

• Educate yourself about your condition.
• Manage stress, as it can impact blood sugar levels.
• Keep a food diary to understand your diet's effect on blood sugar.
• Stay healthy with sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and no smoking.
• Maintain regular doctor appointments and prioritize good oral health.
• Connect with a diabetes support community to gain knowledge and emotional support.

For Type 2 Diabetes:

• Follow a healthy diet, focusing on low-carb, high-protein foods with ample vegetables, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Avoid sugary and fatty foods.
• Aim for weight loss if overweight, as shedding 5-7% of body weight can reduce blood sugar levels by up to 25%.
• Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes per week to improve overall health and lower blood sugar.

Consider getting your blood sugar levels checked at AFC Urgent Care New Bedford

Diabetes can be managed effectively, but neglecting it can lead to severe health problems and even death. Staying disciplined and proactive is the key to controlling diabetes. AFC Urgent Care New Bedford is open seven days a week, no appointments necessary—just walk in and have your blood sugar tested with an easy-to-use payment system. Your health is a priority, so take the step to manage your diabetes effectively.