Page 5 - Senior Times South Central Michigan October 2022 - 29-10

Senior Times - October 2022 Page 5
UNDERSTANDING THE FACTS ABOUT DIABETES
By: Jeffrey Lee, FNP, Bronson Diabetes & Endocrinology Center
Millions of American have diabetes or are at-risk for diabetes. While it’s
a fact that the disease is nothing to ignore, there are still many myths and mis- conceptions about diabetes that can be confusing.
Myth: Diabetes is not a serious disease. Fact: Diabetes causes more deaths every year than breast cancer and AIDS put togeth- er. Having diabetes also doubles your chanc- es of having a stroke or heart attack.
Myth: You can “catch” diabetes from another person.
Fact: Absolutely not true. Diabetes is not contagious.
Myth: Sugary drinks are not linked to type 2 diabetes.
Fact: Not true. Research has shown that drinking regular soda, sweet tea, fruit drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, sweetened coffee, etc. are linked to type 2 diabetes. Whenever possible, avoid sugary drinks and drink water instead.
Myth: If you are overweight, you will always develop type 2 diabetes.
Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor, but other risk factors such as how much physical activity you get, family history, ethnicity, and age also play a role. Many people with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight or are only moderately overweight.
Myth: If you have diabetes, you have to eat special diabetic foods
Fact: Actually, a healthy diet for people with diabetes is the same as a healthy diet for anyone – limit your added sugars, eat at least 3-5 servings of non-starchy vegetables, 3-6 servings of whole grains and, when pos- sible, choose whole foods over processed foods. In fact, the evidence suggests that eating the right amounts of carbs, protein, and fat can help manage your blood glucose levels. Working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) will help you determine
an individualized meal plan that takes into account your goals as well as your likes and dislikes.
Myth: People with diabetes shouldn’t eat starchy foods, sweets or chocolates.
Fact: Starchy foods are part of a healthy
diet for everyone, as long as the portions
are appropriate. If you eat 2,000 calories a day, you should consume about 250 grams of complex carbohydrates per day. A good starting place for people with diabetes is to have roughly 45 to 60 grams of carbs per meal and 15 to 30 grams for snacks. As for dessert foods, there are no foods that are “off limits” for people with diabetes. Sweets can be part of a healthy meal plan and should be combined with exercise.
Myth: People with diabetes are more likely to get colds or other illnesses.
Fact: You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you have diabetes. People with diabetes are advised to get flu shots and be vaccinated for COVID-19. This is because any illness can make diabetes more difficult to control, and people with diabetes who get sick are more likely than others to go on to develop more serious complications.
Myth: People with type 2 diabetes who have to start using insulin aren’t taking care of themselves.
Fact: Using insulin to get blood glucose lev- els to a healthy level is a good thing, not a bad thing. For most people, type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. When first diagnosed, many people with type 2 diabetes can keep their blood glucose at a healthy level with
a combination of meal planning, physical activity, and taking oral medications. But over time, the body gradually produces less and less of its own insulin, and eventually, oral medications may not be enough to keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range.
Managing your diabetes can reduce your risk for complications from diabetes. If you have a family history of diabetes and are concerned that you may have diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider.
Jeffrey Lee is a family nurse practitioner with Bronson Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, 363 Fremont Street, Suite 307, Battle Creek. He is accepting new patients with
a referral from your healthcare provider. Appointments can be made by calling (269) 245-8190.
MAKE YOUR HEALTH A PRIORITY.
SCHEDULE A MAMMOGRAM TODAY.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Bronson recommends getting a screening mammogram every year starting at age 40. People who get screened and are diagnosed early with breast cancer have a much greater chance of survival.
We have 7 locations and 3 easy ways to schedule:
• bronsonhealth.com/schedule
• Bronson MyChart under “Find Care Now” • Call (269) 341-8700 or (888) 741-6415
To learn more, visit bronsonhealth.com/mammogram.