As November approaches, bringing an end to fall, colder weather, and holiday delights, it also marks American Diabetes Month. This is the perfect time to learn more about diabetes, an extremely common health issue in the United States.

At AFC Urgent Care North Worcester, we've created a straightforward guide to help you navigate diabetes, including tips on how  to manage it, and the importance of keeping an eye on your blood sugar levels.

Understanding What Diabetes Does To The Human Body

The CDC defines diabetes as a long-lasting health condition that affects the way your body processes food into energy. Whenever you eat, your body breaks down most of your food into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. 

An increase in blood sugar triggers your pancreas to release insulin, acting like a key that lets your cells use this sugar for energy.

In diabetes, your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it effectively, leading to excess blood sugar remaining in your bloodstream. Over time, this can result in severe health problems like heart disease, vision loss, and kidney complications.

While diabetes cannot be cured, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly benefit individuals with this condition.

Different Types of Diabetes

Diabetes comes in three primary types:

• Type 1 Diabetes: In type 1 diabetes, your pancreas doesn't produce adequate insulin or produces very little. Insulin plays a crucial role in allowing blood sugar to enter your body's cells for energy. Without enough insulin, blood sugar accumulates in the bloodstream. This type of diabetes is typically diagnosed in children, teenagers, and young adults, often necessitating daily insulin injections.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, often affecting adults. Unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking, insufficient physical activity, and a poor diet can contribute to its development. In type 2 diabetes, the body's cells don't respond well to insulin, leading the pancreas to produce more of it, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. This can eventually progress to prediabetes and full-blown type 2 diabetes.
• Gestational Diabetes: This type occurs during pregnancy in women without a prior history of diabetes due to the body's inability to produce enough insulin during pregnancy.

Diabetes Symptoms: Identifying the Warning Signs

If you suspect you might have diabetes, be on the lookout for these symptoms:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Excessive thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent hunger
• Blurred vision
• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
• Unusual fatigue
• Very dry skin
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections
• Swollen gums

If you experience any of these signs, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider or consider AFC Urgent Care North Worcester for regular blood work throughout the week.

Living and managing Diabetes

Here are some tips to help manage diabetes, whether it's type 1 or type 2:

For Type 1 Diabetes:

• Educate Yourself: Learn as much as you can about your condition for effective management.
• Manage Stress: High stress levels can impact blood sugar control.
• Keep a Food Diary: Understand which foods affect your blood sugar most and make necessary changes.
• Stay Healthy: Ensure you get enough sleep, maintain regular exercise, and avoid smoking.
• Attend Appointments: Regular doctor visits are crucial for effective type 1 diabetes management.
• Oral Health: Good oral hygiene is essential for managing type 1 diabetes.
• Community Connection: Stay in touch with the diabetes community for support and shared experiences.

For Type 2 Diabetes:

• Healthy Diet: Choose foods low in carbohydrates, high in protein, rich in vegetables, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Avoid Sugary and Fatty Foods: Make informed food choices to control blood sugar levels.
• Weight Loss: If overweight, shedding 5-7% of your body weight can reduce blood sugar levels by up to 25%.
• Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week to improve overall health and manage blood sugar levels.

AFC Urgent Care North Worcester has resources for Diabetes

If you want to monitor your blood sugar levels routinely, you can visit AFC Urgent Care North Worcester any day of the week. Our doors are open seven days a week, and appointments aren't necessary. You can simply walk in and have your blood sugar checked. 

Diabetes is a condition that can be managed, but it requires discipline and proper care. Make sure you're doing everything you can to control it and protect your health.