Please join John Jennings, M.D. and the SouthCrest Diabetes Center staff for a discussion on “Living with Diabetes.” This informative class will take place on Tuesday, November 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the SouthCrest Medical Plaza, 91st and Hwy. 169, Education Center, Suite 145.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when a person's body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin in the correct way. Insulin helps your cells convert blood sugar (also called glucose) into energy. Diabetes causes the sugar to build up in your blood.

Diabetes can generally be classified as Type 1 or Type 2. If you have Type1 diabetes, your body makes little or no insulin. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your body makes some insulin but, can't use it properly or doesn't make enough to control your blood sugar level. Most adults who have diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.

How is Diabetes Treated?

The goal in treating diabetes is to keep the blood sugar level as close to normal as possible--not too high (called hyperglycemia) or too low (called hypoglycemia).

The first step in controlling diabetes is to incorporate healthy eating habits and physical activity into your lifestyle. Take stock of your current eating and exercise habits and decide if it is necessary to make changes in them. You’ll also have to watch your weight, or even lose weight, to keep your blood sugar level as normal as possible.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will talk to you about the kinds of food you should eat and how much exercise you’ll need every week.

Tips on Eating Right:

·        If you are overweight, lose it! Even a little bit of extra weight can make a big difference in your blood sugar levels.

·        Include plenty of green, leafy veggies, grains and fruits in your diet.

·        Avoid “empty” calories such as those high in fat, sugar and alcohol.

·        Eat at consistent times every day. This is very beneficial in keeping your insulin or medicine and sugar levels steady.

·        Try to eat three times a day. It is also helpful to have a snack at bedtime if you are medicine or insulin.

Checking Your Blood Sugar Level

Regularly checking your blood sugar is a key to helping you control it. Blood sugar checks can help you see how food, exercise and insulin or medicine affects your level. Checking your blood sugar also allows you and your doctor to change your treatment plan, if needed. Checking your blood sugar will help you learn how food, activity levels, stress, medicine and insulin change your blood sugar level.

In some instances, diet and exercise alone can’t keep your blood sugar at a normal level. If this is the case with you, your doctor will talk to you about other treatments, such as medicine or insulin.

Reducing Risks

Complications with diabetes can be avoided by exercising good preventative care. The following health care services can reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications:

• Annual eye exams
• Routine medical follow-up appointments
• Regular dental exams
• Daily foot checks
• Stopping smoking
• Flu vaccinations
• Daily baby aspirin use (if approved by your doctor)

This self-care behavior is like the car maintenance schedule of diabetes management. Certain tests need to be done at specific times to prolong the life and efficiency of your car, and likewise, your body.

For more information regarding SouthCrest Hospital and its full menu of services, please visit www.southcresthospital.com.