November 17, 2019: Diabetes

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The Mayo Clinic describes diabetes mellitus as “a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar.” Regardless of the cause or type of diabetes, the disease leads to excess sugar in your blood which can lead to major health problems. This week, in honor of American Diabetes Month we’ll talk about the basics of diabetes, since 1 in 11 Americans (!) is affected by this disease.

You read that right: 1 in 11 Americans is living with diabetes today. Let that sink in while you consider this: every 23 seconds, someone in America is diagnosed with this horrible disease that results in more deaths than AIDS and breast cancer combined. It can, for the most part, be prevented or at least controlled with medication, but it’s a silent killer. There are not normally any outward signs that you have this disease.

What are the different types of diabetes?

Type 1 – This is an autoimmune disease usually first diagnosed in small children and young adults. It only accounts for 5% of the total number of people with diabetes. People who suffer from Type 1 are unable to produce insulin on their own are forced to take insulin every day for the rest of their lives.

Type 2 – This is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for the other 95% of the total number of people diagnosed. While this form can be hereditary, or occur during pregnancy, the highest risk factor is obesity. Some people with Type 2 are able to control their insulin needs with a drastic change in both diet and exercise, but others have to take insulin to control it.

The American Diabetes Association recommends a long term plan of diet and exercise to control or overcome the disease, especially if weight plays the biggest part in the diagnosis. Combining aerobic exercise, strength training, flexibility exercises/stretching, balance exercises, and activity throughout the day can greatly help with managing the disease.

For more information about Diabetes Diagnosis and Control, please click here.

Next Sunday, we’ll talk about tasty and healthy alternatives to your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

Want some expert help with reaching your health goals painlessly? Check out my programs! We’ll get everything taken care of in a way that fits into your current lifestyle so you never have to think about your health again.

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I hope you have a wonderful week,

Kelly

Kelly Morgan, Ph.D.

Tsirona - www.tsirona.com

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