You Can Beat Diabetes

| Dr. Eva Norman

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. To be aware of diabetes you must first grasp some of the facts about diabetes. Along with these facts, it is important to understand what diabetes is.

Diabetic Facts*:

  • There are over 32 million diabetics in the United States
  • Minnesota has 5.88% of its population diagnosed with diabetes
  • There are over 198,000 people in Minneapolis alone with diabetes
  • Minnesota has nearly 319 million people diagnosed with diabetes
  • The total medical and indirect societal cost of diabetes in Minneapolis was $3.3 billion

*Statistics for 2010 According to Changing Diabetes® Barometer

Types of Diabetes

There are two types of diabetes:

  •  Type 1 diabetes is a type of diabetes that you usually are born with or becomes present at a younger age. With type 1 diabetes your body cannot produce insulin properly. Insulin converts carbohydrates, sugars, and various other foods into energy for your body to use in its daily living process. Type 1 diabetes can be managed with proper diet, exercise, and most often some type of insulin. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes and it can cause havoc with the body. Approximately 5% of those diagnosed with diabetes have type 1.
  • Type 2 diabetes is not only more common, but quickly reaching epidemic levels.

Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes

  • Stress
  • Increasing Age
  • Poor Eating Habits
  • Obesity/Excessive Weight Gain
  • Family History of Diabetes
  • Inactive Lifestyle
  • Having had Gestational Diabetes during a pregnancy
  • Having high A1C numbers during blood testing

If you have had any one of the risk factors listed above or others, chances are you are likely to become a type 2 diabetic. However, the good news is that type 2 diabetes is generally avoidable and has even been known to be reversible with a healthy lifestyle approach. While it is never easy to make lifestyle changes, with the proper guidance and support it may be easier than you may think.

Diabetic Neuropathy

diabetesOne of the worse parts of having diabetes is diabetic neuropathy; a common ailment among diabetics. With diabetic neuropathy the nerves are damaged so badly that it becomes hard for them to carry messages to the brain and other areas of the body.   Some common symptoms and problems seen with diabetic neuropathy are muscle weakness and difficulty with walking, tingling and numbness in various parts of your body, especially in your extremities such as your fingers, toes, hands and feet.  Bladder problems, such as frequent urinary tract infections or incontinence, and digestive problems are also common with diabetic neuropathy. Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting are all attributes of digestive problems that can occur.  Men can suffer from erectile dysfunction and women from vaginal dryness due to diabetic neuropathy.  Many times diabetics will experience sores, cuts, and blisters on their feet that aren’t painful due to the nerves’ inability to transport the feeling of pain from the foot to the brain.  Often, having this impaired sensation can lead to severe infection and even amputation. Needless to say, diabetic neuropathy can be very painful and lead to a life of discomfort.

 

Diabetes in Minnesota

Statistics are showing an increase in diabetes in seniors. In Minnesota alone our statistics are staggering and the truth of the matter is that Live Your Life Physical Therapy can help you make a change in these numbers.  Because baby boomers (those 50+) are at highest risk for Type 2 diabetes it is important to know that you do not have to accept this disease as being a part of your life. You can make changes to avoid being a common statistic.

diabetic seniors

*According to the website http:/www.diabetesbaramoter-us.com

 

How Live Your Life Physical Therapy Can Help with Diabetes

As your physical therapists we play a large part in the prevention and control of diabetes. For those who have any of the diabetic risk factors we can:

  • Increase your activity
  • Help decrease your weight
  • Decrease stress
  • Provide education to develop healthy living habits
  • Guide you towards healthy lifestyle choices; including suggesting support/caregiver groups, diabetic educational groups, evidence-based exercise programs, dietician, etc.

If you have already been diagnosed or pre-diabetic, through our wellness and prevention approach to rehab we can help reverse the disease process. One of the first steps is to simply get moving. The benefits of an active lifestyle include weight loss, a healthier, stronger body overall, and reducing stress by having a customized exercise program to meet your specific needs.

The decision is yours. This is one disease you can take control of before it happens to you. Make the choice before it’s too late. If you are being told you are “pre-diabetic” or on the road to being diabetic you can stop the disease in its tracks with a lifestyle change.  Don’t suffer from a lifetime of pain from diabetic neuropathy, monitoring your blood glucose levels multiple times per day, taking medications, and so much more. Instead, chose to make a decision that could save your life by calling us today at Live Your Life Physical Therapy and letting us help you set up a wellness and prevention program that will have you up and moving; making the right food choices and lifestyle changes that keep you living your life stronger and healthier. We want you to truly choose to Live Your Life pain free and without diabetes.

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