Regional Medical Center | Thrive for Life | Fall 2018

●   ● Diabetes is a chronic condition with no cure, at present. It requires careful management, sometimes supplemented with medication, to regulate blood sugar levels. ●   ● The incidence of diabetes is on the rise. Type 2 diabetes, which was seen only in adults in the past, is now more common in young adults as well. Higher body mass index and obesity may be linked to the rising numbers. ●   ● Type 2 diabetes can go unnoticed and undiagnosed for years. If you are over 45, talk to your doctor about being tested, especially if you are overweight. ●   ● If it’s left undiagnosed, untreated or unmanaged, type 2 diabetes can lead to life-threatening conditions. These include cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, increased risk for stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, diabetic eye disease, and nerve or hearing damage. Ward off problems To prevent or delay type 2 diabetes— or keep it under control if you do get it—follow these simple, proven lifestyle changes: ●   ● Eat well—add fruits and veggies to your diet, limit sugared drinks and saturated fats, and eliminate processed foods. ●   ● Exercise regularly. ●   ● Maintain a healthy weight. ●   ● Don’t smoke or use tobacco. It increases your risk for diabetes Sign up for community classes Learn how to reduce your risk for diabetes or how to manage the disease once diagnosed. An RMC registered nurse and dietitian teach monthly diabetes classes at RMC Anniston. Attendance is free, but space is limited. For more information or to register, call 256-235-5671 . Take advantage of RMC’s Healthy Shopping for Diabetes program in November. RMC licensed dietitians will tour local grocery stores to teach people with diabetes how to shop. Registration is required, and space is limited. Visit rmccares.org/classes-events for more information. with diabetes, Hail checked her daughter’s blood sugar—and it was low (hypoglycemia). Hail recalls picking her up after sports activities when she was moody and symptomatic—Hudgins’ blood sugar was high (hyperglycemia). Hail took her daughter to Robert Chadband, MD, her own endocrinologist, and learned that Hudgins has what seems to be exercise-induced hyperglycemia. Steps to stay in control Hudgins is taking medication that helps, but she also uses other coping techniques, such as diet, monitoring her blood sugar and making sure it’s within her target range before exercise. She and her doctors continue testing to determine the exact type of diabetes and the best treatment plan because of the unusual onset of high and low blood sugars. At 19 years old, Hudgins now knows more about diabetes than she ever wanted to know. She shares that it can be frustrating as a student athlete. “I don’t like to stop,” says Hudgins. Her endurance skills in track and cross-country will bode well in her challenge to manage diabetes—so it won’t manage her. ‘IF YOU DON’T MANAGE IT, IT WILL MANAGE YOU’ —Continued from page 11 and cardiovascular disease. If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you can lower your risk for life-threatening complications if you: ●   ● Have your cholesterol and blood pressure levels monitored carefully. ●   ● Check your blood sugar levels regularly. ●   ● Maintain foot, kidney, blood vessel and eye care. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Diabetes.org; Healthline.com Take a risk test Visit diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/ diabetes-risk-test to learn if you ar e at risk. The diabetes dilemma —Continued from page 11 Regional Medical Center 12 DIABETES