November- National Diabetes Month
Every month Nature Coast EMS is bringing Citrus County residents information beneficial to their health and safety. This article also appears in the Citrus County Chronicle.
By Katie Lucas; Did you know that Nature Coast EMS Emergency Medical Technicians, (EMTs), and Paramedics are actually a critical part of the medical community?
In today’s world of emergency medicine, an ambulance is not “just a ride” to the hospital any more. It is, however, pre-hospital medicine. The Nature Coast EMS field team saves lives every day. Our EMTs and Paramedics provide the highest level of emergency medicine available, and through specifically designed courses, are continuously training in the latest in emergency medical procedures.
I have decided it is time to get serious about a diet and more than once I’ve heard the phrase “consult your physician before starting a weight loss program.” This is a very good recommendation because eating habits and food choices change with any diet plan which means blood glucose levels can and will change too. Not that a person’s eating habits is the sole cause, but millions of people are unaware they are at high risk for diabetes.
November is National Diabetes Month and with 25.8 million diabetic people in the United States, I determined it was well worth writing about, plus my new diet, and that my dad was diagnosed with diabetes about five years ago, after a serious illness. What is diabetes? In simple terms; after you eat, all of the sugars and starches are transformed into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can lead to diabetes complications.
In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Type 1 is generally diagnosed in children and young adults but with insulin therapy and other treatments those with this form of diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.
There is also gestational diabetes that can occur in pregnancy around the 24th week. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes doesn’t mean that you had diabetes before you conceived, or that you will have diabetes after giving birth. But it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice regarding blood glucose (blood sugar) levels while you’re planning your pregnancy, so you and your baby both remain healthy.
The American Diabetes Association created a test to determine if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes. When you know your chances you have the power to take control and prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Modify your eating habits, start a daily exercise regimen and maintain a healthy weight. Reduce your risk today and “don’t worry, be happy” and you’ll be healthy. I guess this means starting my diet is a good idea after all. I’ll let you know how it works out.
Take care and stay well!
