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Diabetes, an impairment in the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin, results in elevated levels of glucose (“sugar”) in the blood and dramatically increases one’s risk for heart disease, strokes, amputations, and many other life-threatening conditions.  Unfortunately, diabetes is common in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating 38.4 million Americans being impacted, 11.6% of our population. Strikingly, almost 30% of adults 65 years or older have diabetes.  In addition, many more Americans are pre-diabetic and are at significant risk of developing diabetes in the next few years. 

Type one diabetes predominantly develops in childhood and is thought to be caused by the body’s immune system destroying the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.  In comparison, type 2 diabetes results from the body’s failure to process glucose, either due to insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance. 

Outside of genetics, many of the risk factors for type two diabetes, such as weight, activity level, and diet, can be modified to improve blood sugar control or even reverse the condition entirely in some instances.

If you already have diabetes or have risk factors for diabetes, such as being overweight, here are a few small things you can do that, over time, will have a significant impact on your health.

• Cut out sugary beverages such as sodas, energy drinks, and coffee drinks, and avoid adding unnecessary fats to your foods, including large amounts of dressings.  Reducing your calorie intake and sugar will lower your blood sugar and weight.
• Exercise regularly. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week.  Even if you can’t get 150 minutes, some exercise is better than none. 
• See your healthcare team regularly, as they can assist you with lifestyle modification and medications, if necessary, to help you prevent or at least control diabetes.  

Your Summit provider can give you more ideas. Call 360-346-2223 to schedule an appointment.