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Diabetes is a common health condition in the United States and the prevalence is currently on the rise. According to the 2020 National Diabetes Statistics Report, 34.2 million Americans of all ages have diabetes. Unfortunately, this condition often goes undiagnosed and untreated. However, the good news is that yearly testing of blood glucose and Hemoglobin A1c levels can result in early detection and treatment. At the CareATC clinic, we can test for, diagnose, and treat diabetes through a multi-disciplinary approach.
What is diabetes?
Most people have heard of diabetes, but many do not have an understanding of what diabetes is aside from it involving blood sugar and insulin. Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot create any insulin, creates insufficient insulin, or cannot properly use insulin. There are two types of diabetes, Type I and Type II, with Type II accounting for 90-95% of all cases of diabetes in the United States.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type I diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas does not make any insulin or enough insulin for the body’s needs. People with Type I diabetes need to take exogenous insulin along with making dietary and lifestyle adjustments to help manage blood sugar levels.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type II diabetes is a condition where the body creates insulin, but cannot properly use the insulin resulting in insulin resistance. Not everyone with Type II diabetes will need to take medication, but most people need to make diet and lifestyle modifications to improve insulin sensitivity.
5 Healthy Habits to Prevent or Manage Diabetes
Establishing healthy nutrition and lifestyle habits plays a key role in managing diabetes and blood sugar levels. Some examples healthy changes you can start implementing today include:
- Start an exercise routine and aim for a minimum of 150 minutes per week or 30 minutes five days per week.
- Lose 10% or more of your bodyweight.
- Limit consumption of sugar-containing beverages such as soda, sweet tea, juice, and coffee beverages with added sugars.
- Include a source of protein with every meal and every snack.
- Choose whole grains and high fiber carbohydrates over refined carbohydrates. For example, choose whole grain bread instead of white bread and brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
Testimonial: Patient's Blood Sugar Management Results in Healthy Numbers
There are many small changes that can be implemented to create habits over time that will help manage diabetes or even prevent diabetes. At the CareATC clinic, our patients have been seeing how changing their diet and adding in more physical activity can have a large impact on blood sugar management.
One of our patient’s shared the following testimonial in how working with a CareATC dietitian helped him to lower his Hemoglobin A1c.
“When I did my Healthy For Life bloodwork in March I was told my A1C was in the pre-diabetic range. My mom being diabetic, I was concerned with my results. I met with [my CareATC dietitian] in April and she gave me a diet and exercise plan. Following her plan I have lost 30lbs. and my numbers are now in the healthy range.”
This is just one example of how the many patients who struggle with diabetes are using the clinic’s services to help manage or reverse their condition!
Do you know your numbers?
Schedule a visit with your CareATC provider to determine your level of risk. If you are at high risk of developing diabetes or currently have diabetes, your CareATC team is ready to support you to achieve optimal health.
