American Diabetes Month

November was American diabetes month, and a good time to review your lab with your provider to see if you are at risk for diabetes. During the holiday season the amount of sweets and unhealthy foods will be more available and tempting but please use some restraint, so you can remain healthy and well.

The lab test for diabetes requires blood to be drawn, to measure your average blood sugar over a three month period. This test is known as hemoglobin A1C, and will assist your physician to determine your risk for developing diabetes. If the A1C value is greater than 5.7 and less than 6.4 you are at risk for developing diabetes. Those with a A1C value greater than 6.5 will be treated as a diabetic, and be placed on medication.

Risk factors for developing diabetes, include : 1. A family history or 2. A women who may have developed diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or given birth to a baby that was over 9 pounds, or 3. Being over weight especially with a large girth (stomach), and inactive 4. High blood pressure, and or high cholesterol can be precursors to diabetes in conjunction with the elements above.

A small lifestyle change can make a big difference. Make water your drink of choice and increase your physical exercise and eat more fruits and vegetables. Maintain a healthy weight, minimize stress, get enough sleep, stop smoking, and reducing your alcohol intake can make a big difference. Alcohol adds additional sugar to your diet.

There are SERIOUS consequences that can occur related to diabetes, if you do not heed to the warning. This may include dialysis, amputation, blindness and or possible stroke or heart attack. Currently diabetes is a world wide epidemic.