Diabetes is a medical condition in which sugar or glucose levels build up in your bloodstream. Managing diabetes is a daily challenge to keep blood sugar levels in the desired range. Balancing the food you eat with exercise and medicine (if prescribed) will help you control your weight and keep your blood glucose in the healthy range.
Actively managing the disease is essential. The emotional and physical toll diabetes takes is steep—the disease claims the life of one American every three minutes, more than breast cancer and AIDS combined. And the financial cost is steep as well. The CDC estimates that a person with diabetes has medical expenses that are 2.3 times higher than someone without diabetes and that the disease costs Americans more than $245 billion.
Despite these statistics, there is good news—you can take control of your diabetes management! Losing just 10 to 15 pounds can make a difference. And any type of physical activity will help lower your blood glucose and put you on track to living a healthy, normal life with diabetes.
Self-Management Skills
- Monitor your blood sugar regularly as directed
- Stay physically active
- Maintain a healthy diet (count carbohydrates) and fluid intake
- Quit smoking
- See your doctor every three to six months and take medications as prescribed
- Recognize and treat the symptoms of low or high blood sugar
- Reduce stress by practicing relaxation techniques
If you are struggling to manage your diabetes, or are looking to receive more education on self-management of the disease, Valley has several programs that can help get you on track!
Diabetes Education
Call for non-urgent questions only (Monday - Friday)
201-447-8056
Nutrition Program - Diabetic Teaching
A Recipe for Life
201-447-8093 (information)
201-634-5371 (schedule an appointment)
About the Author
Adam Kelman, MD, Endocrinologist, Valley Medical Group
