Procedure - Diabetes Education
While a diabetes diagnosis does mean some serious lifestyle changes for patients in Utah, the specialists at Ogden Clinic aim to ease this transition through diabetes education and blood sugar management tips.
Diabetes Education - Prevention and Management
In order to prevent prediabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes, it is important to take the following preventative measures:
- Lose excess weight: Obesity is one of the leading causes of all forms of diabetes, so if you have prediabetes or are concerned about your blood sugar in general, it is important to lose excess weight. This is also important for women looking to get pregnant. Since weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy, it is important to shed those extra pounds before getting pregnant to help prevent gestational diabetes.
- Stay active: Sedentary lifestyles are known to cause serious health problems such as diabetes. Remember to stay active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Eat healthy, whole foods: Eat lots of protein, vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, and remember to watch your portion sizes.
Once you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to make a commitment to managing your condition.
- Quit smoking: Cigarettes and other tobacco products increase your risk for diabetes-related complications. If you have trouble quitting, talk to your Ogden Clinic doctor about ways to stop smoking.
- Regulate cholesterol and blood pressure levels: By eating healthy and staying active, you can more easily manage these levels. Healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels will reduce unnecessary complications related to the diabetes.
- Pay special attention to your teeth and feet: These two areas are especially sensitive for people with diabetes. People with diabetes are more prone to gum infections and blisters and cuts on the feet. It is important to brush and floss twice daily, and wash your feet daily in warm water.
- Schedule regular exams: As a diabetic, one of the most crucial parts of health management is to see your doctor once a year, including getting an annual eye exam.
- Maintain a strong immune system: It is important to eat healthy and get regular immunizations including a flu shot once a year.
- Drink alcohol in moderation: Depending on the type of alcohol, frequent alcohol consumption can cause serious blood sugar spikes and dips.
If you would like to speak to one of our specialists about diabetes education, contact Ogden Clinic in Utah today.
