CAN DIABTES BE PREVENTED OR REVERSED?

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1 Knowledge is power if we use it to invest in our health and future. CAN DIABTES BE PREVENTED OR REVERSED? Old saying: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure Did you know that over one-third of the entire U.S. population has diabetes Type 2, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention? Approximately 8.1 million do not know it. Could you or a loved one have signs of this epidemic disease? What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body uses food. You can be born with it (Type I) or acquire it (Type 2) Today we will discuss type 2. Normally, the body turns those carbohydrates we consume, example, healthful fruits and vegetables,into sugar for energy. In the bloodstream sugar is carried to muscles and into cells throughout the body. There,

2 insulin, a protein-hormone, helps to turn the sugar from food into energy you need for the body to use in its work to power your success and vitality. But, when you have diabetes, something goes wrong. The body makes little or no insulin, or insulin cannot get blood sugar into the cells. As a result, without insulin, the body s cells don t receive the fuel delivery it needs. As a result sugar (carbohydrates) just piles up higher and higher in the bloodstream, and can stay way too high. Symptoms develop. 2. What problems might it cause? Diabetes is a silent disease. You may feel unusually tired and thirsty. You can lose weight without even trying or gain weight. You have to urinate more often. You may have blurred vision. These are some of the warning signs of diabetes. Other diseases can give similar signs and symptoms, like thyroid problems. That s why if you or someone you love is at risk for this disease or have any of the warning signs, you need to see your health care provider right away, and get evaluated, tested, and treated. Other diseases may give similar Over time, high blood sugar can cause serious damage to many parts of the body. High blood sugar can cause dental decay, heart and kidney problems, blindness, and the loss of a foot or a leg to surgical amputations. Heart disease is the number one killer in this country and diabetes can cause a heart attack. A silent heart attack. 3. How can I prevent it?

3 No one knows what causes diabetes and much research is ongoing. While researchers funded by the American Diabetes Association and others continue their work to find a cure, you can do things now to lower your risk by: getting healthier habits and lifestyle. Keeping your weight under control. The body has normal ranges for everything. Know your ideal weight and join those of us engaged in the struggle to achieve ideal weight. Eating right- eating a low fat diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables helps your body to stay healthy and do what it does best, fuel your success and independence. Plenty of water- consider a glass of water with lemon instead of a soft drink. Staying active. Getting some exercise, try walking for an hour a day or dancing, yoga, golf or any activity you love Have regular blood sugar evaluations by your medical professional. Learn to read food package labels to check amount of sugar in the product. If it is high (greater than 20%) maybe leave it on the shelf. Your doctor can refer you to a nutritionist for a fuller discussion of your diet and label reading to see where you could make changes. Remember, prevention is better than cure and a lot less expensive. Save on calories, saves on money Avoid stress. Stress is associated with overeating of comfort foods, sweets and sugary drinks. Spirituality- have faith in God, pray, meditate and seek Divine Guidance for direction in your life.

4 The good news is that you can control your diabetes and live a healthy, happy life. Having a holistic-care prevention plan allows a person to be more pro-active about their health and reduce risks. True or False according to the text: Diabetes Knowledge Quiz 1. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. 2. The carbohydrates (sugars we eat) are carried to the cells and turned into energy to fuel our activities and success. 3. Common signs of diabetes generally include fever, chills, runny nose, and night sweats 4. Which of the following is considered the leading cause of death in the United States? A. heart disease B. breast cancer C. scurvy D. lung disease E. colon cancer

5 5. Having a personal holistic-care prevention plan in mind allows a person to be more pro-active about their health and life 6. A diet with high sugar intake may cause diabetes and all below except A. dental decay B. obesity/ overweight C. infections difficult to heal D. kidney disease E. stomach ulcers 7. Eating the right foods, vegetables and fruits, can help to stabilize your blood sugar-control and medications may be avoided 8. Eating a diet low in fat with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help avoid diabetes and it complications 9. Prevention strategies includes active lifestyle changes like walking more, yoga, dancing, and swimming and avoiding stress where possible. 10. Asking for a Nutritionist referral has not been found to be helpful in diabetes education strategies.

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