November is Diabetes Awareness Month - do you have diabetes?

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. As of the latest stats from 2015, the number of people living with diabetes in the U.S. was just over 30 million. Out of those, close to 29 million had type 2 diabetes.

These numbers are staggering. Another shocker? It was estimated that just over 80 million people in the U.S. had prediabetes (also as of 2015) and many of  them were unaware they had the condition.

If you want to increase your chances of enjoying improved health and a longer lifespan, and be there for yourself and your loved ones (to enjoy scenes like this one below) it's important to know if you have prediabetes or diabetes.

Why? So you can take the necessary steps under the guidance of your healthcare provider and diabetes educator, to better manage your condition so you blood sugar stays under control (in your target range). This is key to help reduce your risk of developing the complications that can come from diabetes due to out of control (high) blood glucose.

Photo by: Carole Jakucs, October, 2019. Image subject to copyright. 

If you're not sure if you've been tested for diabetes, ask your healthcare provider (MD, NP or PA) to check you for it. This typically involves testing your blood for a fasting blood sugar, and an A1C (hemoglobin A1C). Additional tests may be indicated depending on other medical conditions you have, any current signs or symptoms you may be experiencing, and your medical history.

If you don't know if you've been tested, take the first step and find out. Good luck and good health!

Seven Tips for a Healthier Heart

American Heart Month just wrapped up in the U.S. And with spring around the corner with its promise of new life with flowers abloom, it's a good time to think about your life with healthy habits that can lower your risk of heart disease. Heart healthy habits are good for your whole body (and brain) too.

Boston Common by Carole Jakucs, 2016. Image subject to copyright.

Increase your activity – Exercise 30 minutes daily to help maintain weight and improve overall fitness (check with your doctor before you start) which will help reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Eat a healthier diet – Reduce or cut down on junk foods (pastries, chips, candies, sodas and alcohol) and bad fats such as saturated fats (red meat and full fat dairy) and hydrogenated oils (in junk foods and even some so-called healthy snacks and foods). Increase your intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, lean proteins and whole grains - to help maintain overall health by getting a variety of vitamins and minerals in your diet.

If you smoke – QUIT! Smoking damages the cardiovascular system and causes a multitude of health problems and illnesses.

De-Stress – Look for ways to decrease stress in your life as ongoing stress can raise your risk for cardiovascular disease.

Maintain a healthy weight – Find out what your healthy weight is for your height and body frame and work to stay within that range. Excess weight increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers too.

Monitor your serum (blood) levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (with your healthcare provider) with a goal of achieving readings in the heart healthy target levels.

Enjoy life! Life can get busy with work and tasks – make the time to do things that make you happy such as being with cherished family and friends and pursuing hobbies you love.