Today, March 25, is National Diabetes Alert Day, in which those in the healthcare industry work to raise diabetes awareness.
That’s a particularly important task in Louisiana, where we enjoy our indulgences – but where, as a result, more than 12% of adults have diabetes and another 1.2 million, or 33%, have pre-diabetes, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The good news is that taking care of yourself and learning more about diabetes puts you in control, helping you avoid complications such as nerve damage and heart trouble.
And while living with diabetes is hard work – requiring education, awareness and self-management – diabetes educators can teach you how to manage your diabetes.
They help empower you; they are not there to judge you. The more knowledge you have, the more confidence you can have in managing your diabetes, which leads to lower numbers and living longer.
And perhaps the best news: If you are over 65 years old and have Medicare, then you are entitled to diabetes education as a benefit.
Below, find seven self-care behaviors that can improve your diabetes, and which the diabetes educators at St. Tammany Health System can teach your more about:
- Healthy eating. A diabetes educator or dietitian can help you to develop a meal plan that fits your lifestyle. They can teach you about foods that contain carbohydrates and about portions, both of which can help you avoid blood glucose spikes or drops.
- Monitoring. Monitoring your blood sugars gives you information about your diabetes management. Monitoring helps you make food and activity adjustments so that your body can perform at its best. A diabetes educator can help you to make those adjustments and bring understanding to your numbers.
- Being active. Movement is medicine! Being active can improve blood pressure, lower stress and anxiety and help normalize your blood sugar levels.
- Problem solving. Everyone encounters problems with their diabetes management. You can learn some problem-solving skills that can help you prepare for the unexpected with the help of an educator.
- Healthy coping. Diabetes can affect you emotionally. It's natural to have mixed feelings about your diabetes. If you recognize these emotions as normal, you can take steps to reduce the negative impact they can have on your self-care.
- Reducing risks. By learning how properly to manage your diabetes with the help of a diabetes educator, you are put in control of your diabetes. Plan to see your provider at least every three months. Insurance usually covers a yearly eye exam and foot exam, as well as recommended vaccines.
- Taking medication. Taking meds correctly can help you lower your blood sugar levels, reduce your risk of diabetes complications and help you feel better. An educator can help you to understand how and when to take your prescribed meds and how they help your diabetes.
St. Tammany Health System has both inpatient and outpatient diabetes educators on-staff and available to local residents. They can be contacted at (985) 871-5983.
Jennifer Gagliano RDN CDCES is a registered dietitian/nutritionist and a certified diabetes care and education specialist at St. Tammany Health System.