HEALTH CORNER

Living With Diabetes:

WHAT IS IT? Simply, diabetes is a disease in which the body is unable to produce or unable to properly use and store glucose (a form of sugar). Glucose backs up in the bloodstream — causing one’s blood glucose or "sugar" to rise too high.

WHO GETS IT? Diabetes can occur in anyone. However, people who have close relatives with the disease, who are obese, have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, and who do not exercise are at a greater risk. That risk increases, as people grow older. People who are over 40 are more likely to develop diabetes, although the incidence of type 2 diabetes in adolescents is growing. Also, women who develop diabetes while pregnant (a condition called gestational diabetes) are more likely to develop full-blown diabetes later in life.

Diabetes is more common among Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. Though African Americans are 1.6 times more likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites. Twenty-five percent of African Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have diabetes, and one in four African American women over 55 years of age has diabetes

HOW DO I CREATE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE WITH DIABETES

EXERCISE REGULARLY: If you have specific health concerns you should consult your doctor before beginning any exercise regime, however some good choices are: aerobic exercise, water aerobics, walking, even dancing.

EAT HEALTHY MEALS: Healthy eating includes eating a wide variety of foods including vegetables, whole grains, fruits, non-fat dairy products, beans, and lean meats, poultry and fish. There is no one perfect food so including a variety of different foods and watching portion sizes is key to a healthy diet, as well as eating at the same time everyday. Also, make sure your choices from each food group provide the highest quality nutrients you can find. In other words, pick foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber over those that are processed. People with diabetes can eat the same foods the family enjoys. Everyone benefits from healthy eating so the whole family can take part in the same meal plan.

MONITOR YOUR BLOOD SUGARS regularly each day, and keep regular appointment with your doctor to help you manage your disease.