What You Should Know About Diabetes
Navy Veteran Teddy Gordon goes for a walk with his grand daughter.
Diabetes is the single most expensive disease in the United States, with $101 billion spent in 2013 on diagnosis and treatment. In Veterans, nearly 1 in 4 of VA patients have been diagnosed with Adult Onset Diabetes (type 2) - a condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar.
Causes are varied but can include things like advanced age, genetics, inactivity, problems with weight and exposure to herbicide during time in service. Symptoms to look out for can include increased thirst and frequent urination, increased hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores and frequent infections. Once properly diagnosed by a health care professional, patients can manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes and medication, but no “cure” currently exists. Type 2 diabetes can possibly be put into “remission” with weight loss, increased activity, and healthy eating; however, it will reappear if lifestyle changes are not maintained.
If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can increase the chances of other serious health such as blindness, end-stage renal disease and amputation. People with diabetes are also at increased risk for heart attack and stroke.Type 2 diabetes can actually be prevented or delayed. To greatly reduce your chances of becoming diabetic, follow these healthy living tips:
- Keep body weight under control before it becomes an issue
In Teddy’s case, small reductions in his weight might have had a big effect on his current condition. By losing 5 to 7 percent of a starting weight, Veterans may help to delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes by up to 58 percent.
- Get active and stay active
Another change that would have helped Veterans like Teddy is to adopt an active lifestyle. Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity, 5 days a week to reduce risk by 30 percent. Veterans should ask their health care provider about which activities are best to start with, but they shouldn’t be intimidated by moving a little – chair exercise or regular walks count!
- Keep healthy eating habits
Teddy admits that his weight problem began prior to quitting the military. “I would be on a ship and we’d get to port after being at sea for a while and I would gorge on all this good food. I definitely had an issue with food in the military,” he said.
Whether in the military or after, it’s never too late to eat right and feel good. Strategies for healthy eating include drinking water instead of soda, increasing the amount of colorful vegetables with meals, eating smaller portions and lower fat foods.
One of Teddy’s greatest regrets was not taking action sooner on his health. Today, he manages his condition by eating right, being involved in physical activity and taking classes for diabetes management. If you’re concerned you may be on a similar track as Teddy, it’s time to work on a healthy lifestyle that can help you to avoid future health problems like diabetes. To get started today, call (858) 552-7245 to set up an appointment for diabetes education. Consider taking a class for diabetes prevention or diabetes self-care basics!
