American Diabetes Month
Take charge of tomorrow!
Having diabetes can feel overwhelming and challenging. But we can help. If you have diabetes, knowing how to stay healthy and prevent further problems is the best way to keep your condition under control!
Diabetes and Your Health
Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) condition that affects how much glucose (sugar) is in the bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone in your body, helps move glucose from your blood and into your cells. When you have diabetes, your body does not have enough insulin, or your body does not respond to insulin well. This can cause your blood sugar to be high.
Some common signs/symptoms of diabetes include:
- Feeling more thirsty than usual.
- Feeling more hungry than usual.
- Urinating more than usual.
- Feeling more tired than usual.
Tips to Stay Healthy with Diabetes:
1. Attend all medical appointments and follow-up visits.
2. Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling.
3. Get yearly eye exams.
4. Brush your teeth and floss daily to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy.
5. Manage your stress — try doing yoga or meditation to slow down and relax.
6. Get enough sleep — aim for 7 or more hours of sleep at night.
7. Eat a well-balanced diet and get help from a registered dietitian who can work with you to create a meal plan that works for you.
8. Stay physically active — try to get 30 minutes of movement each day.
9. Monitor your blood sugar and blood pressure and know your healthy range. When blood sugar isn’t controlled, it can lead to further health problems like:
- Vision problems
- Nerve damage
- Dental problems
- Heart problems
- Kidney damage
10. Don’t smoke — if you already smoke, ask for help to quit. Smoking can raise your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol — but quitting lowers your risk for:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Nerve disease
- Kidney disease
- Other conditions
The ABCs of Diabetes
If you have diabetes, managing your condition and reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke involves three key steps known as the “ABCs.” Here are the basics—but check with your provider to get your goal numbers.
| What is it? | What’s a Good Number? |
A = A1C | A1C is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past 3 months. | 7 or lower |
B = Blood Pressure | Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels—and the higher it is, the harder your heart has to work. | 140/90 or lower |
C = Cholesterol | Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs for good health, but in the right amounts. | LDL (“bad cholesterol”): 100 mg/dl or lower Triglycerides: 150 mg/dl or lower HDL (“good cholesterol”) for men: 40 mg/dl or above HDL (“good cholesterol”) for women: 50 mg/dl or above
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Following your treatment plan and creating new habits can help you live a healthier life with diabetes. If you need extra support or would like to learn more about managing diabetes, the Somatus Healthy Living program can help you stay on track and enjoy more healthy days.
The information contained here is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
Learn more about the healthy living program.
Somatus is here to answer your questions anytime. Call us (855) 851-8354
