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Why You Shouldn’t Wait To Manage Your Diabetes

Be Proactive With Your Condition

If you have diabetes, it's important to take care of your condition as early as possible, even if you don’t think your symptoms are that bad. Early management can help prevent serious complications down the road. That's why it's crucial to see your doctor regularly, manage your blood sugar levels, and make healthy lifestyle choices. By taking these steps, you can keep your diabetes under control and enjoy a long, healthy life.

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Diabetes and its prevalence in the USA

Diabetes is an increasingly prevalent chronic condition, especially in the United States of America. According to the CDC, 9.4 percent of Americans—roughly 34.2 million people—have diabetes. 17.3 percent are estimated to have prediabetes, which places them at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if they do not take action to modify their lifestyle. In 2015, professional medical care, medications, and related effects resulted in more than $245 billion in direct and indirect costs due to diabetes alone. To further complicate the issue, diabetes disproportionately affects minority populations: African Americans experience higher rates of prevalence and mortality due to diabetes compared to other groups, making diabetes a pressing health crisis for the United States overall.

gloved hand holding a diabetic monitor

The Importance of Early Detection

Early diagnosis and early management of diabetes are essential for better health outcomes. Unfortunately, many people ignore early warning signs or fail to see a doctor until the condition has become more concerning. If detected early, before medical complications arise, proper treatment can prevent serious health problems from occurring. In addition, early diagnosis and management of diabetes can help reduce long-term costs related to care and medication, as it improves overall health and reduces the risk of long-term complications such as blindness and kidney damage. Taking care of diabetes early on is therefore essential for improved quality of life.

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Symptoms to Watch Out For

Symptoms of diabetes often include increased hunger and thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, sudden weight loss, and blurred vision. Other symptoms that may appear include slow-healing sores, areas of darkened skin, and tingling or numbness in the extremities. People with diabetes should watch for these symptoms, as well as signs of dangerously high or low blood sugar levels such as dizziness, confusion, and extreme changes in mood or behavior. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away to have yourself checked for diabetes.

monitoring glucose levels

How is Diabetes Treated?

Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes are essential in order to manage the condition. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes such as dietary modification, increased physical activity, and weight loss to medical treatments such as insulin therapy and other medications. In some cases, a combination of lifestyle changes and medical therapy may be necessary to achieve the most effective treatment plan. It is important to note that early intervention can greatly reduce the risk of serious diabetes complications, so early diagnosis and treatment are ideal for all people with this condition.

girl getting diabetes treatment

Tips for Managing Diabetes

Living with diabetes should not be a hindrance to living a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. Managing the chronic condition effectively can lead to better blood sugar control, improved health, and an enhanced overall quality of life. It’s important for people with diabetes to keep up with regular doctor visits, monitor and maintain a healthy diet plan, and stay active by exercising regularly—all of which will help to reduce the risk of serious health complications associated with diabetes. Taking prescribed medications as instructed is also necessary in order to manage diabetes effectively. Additionally, it’s beneficial for people with diabetes to learn how to recognize early symptoms of potential health issues so they can seek prompt and effective medical attention if needed. Doing these simple steps can help those living with this chronic condition achieve an improved quality of life that is both happy and fulfilling.


 Though diabetes is a serious and increasingly common disease, it can be managed effectively with the help of medical professionals and technology. If you think you may have diabetes or are displaying any of the symptoms, be sure to consult a doctor as soon as possible. With early detection and treatment, you can put yourself on the path to living a long and healthy life in spite of your diagnosis. To learn more about how technological innovations can help you manage diabetes, check out our website or give us a call today.

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Healthy Bites

Spinach Salad with Creamy Strawberry Vinaigrette

15 May, 2024
Strawberries are coming into season right now, which means they’re at their sweetest and most fragrant. Take advantage of their peak by giving them a starring role in a versatile spinach, feta, and cucumber salad. It’s well-known that fresh strawberries play well in spinach salads. While it’d be easy enough to slice them and toss them alongside baby spinach leaves, putting fresh strawberries in the dressing helps guarantee that bright berry flavor in every bite, and turns the whole dish a gorgeous shade of rose.  Add sliced strawberries too, if you like, and call it a double strawberry salad. While you’re at it, feel free to add other ingredients as well. Grilled chicken will turn this salad from a side into a weekday main dish; diced avocado and chopped toasted almonds will add richness and crunch. Or make it as written and it will be simply wonderful.

Diabetes Fast Food Guide: What to Order at Taco Bell

15 May, 2024
Ever wondered how to survive the drive-thru with diabetes? In this series, a dietitian walks through the best things to order at top fast food chains. This week we see what’s happening outside the bun at Taco Bell. Taco Bell is a beloved Mexican-inspired chain known for its bold flavors and creative menu offerings, from the Nachos BellGrande to the now-viral Crunchwrap Supreme. But to the dismay of glucometers everywhere, many of these menu items are centered around spiky carbs , which can make eating at the chain especially challenging for anyone with diabetes. There are, however, certain menu items that are less impactful on blood sugar than others.  “Taco Bell is very customizable to your needs and health goals,” said Andrew Akhaphong , a registered dietitian at Mackenthun’s Fine Foods in St. Paul, Minnesota. He shared his top diabetes-friendly menu choices from Taco Bell.

Quick and Easy Low-Carb Breakfast Recipes

08 May, 2024
Looking for a breakfast dish that you can grab on your way out the door? These low-carb recipes are easy to make and and taste great straight from the fridge. These breakfasts are the lovely kind that you can make ahead of time because you’re a good friend to your future morning self – the one who needs to start the day with a nourishing meal. The kind you need in your repertoire if you live with people who claim they have no time for breakfast.  They’re all easy to make and taste great straight from the fridge (although you can reheat the egg-based meals if you prefer). They also make excellent snacks – and, luckily, there’s no law saying you can’t eat the same thing at 3:00 pm that you ate at 8:00 am.

Best Ever Guacamole

01 May, 2024
This tangy guacamole with lime and salt is a perfect accompaniment to any Cinco de Mayo celebration. Avocados are also nutritional powerhouses, making them a healthy choice for people with diabetes. Probably you think your favorite part of chips and guac is the chips, but if you make really excellent guacamole and serve it with an exciting assortment of vegetables, you might not miss those chips as much as you imagine. Feel free to add whatever you like to this recipe: salsa, chopped tomatoes, even corn kernels. But try it plain first – that’s how we grew to love it after a trip to Mexico, where we were served chunky, simple guacamole seasoned only with lime and salt, and it was absolute perfection. Plus, avocados are filled with nutrients – like healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals – so you’ll feel great after eating it.

Diabetes-Friendly Sushi – Your Ultimate Guide

24 Apr, 2024
Sushi is a favorite dish for many, but navigating this carb-heavy food can pose a challenge for those with diabetes. Learn more about the varieties of sushi, nutrition information, and tips for enjoying diabetes-friendly sushi.  Sushi can be challenging for people with diabetes, who often refer to it as the “food they love that doesn’t love them back.” Why? Because depending on the type of sushi you order and the portion you eat, it can be a healthy pleasure, or a decadent disaster.

4 Plant-Based Proteins for People With Diabetes

18 Apr, 2024
Plant-based proteins like tofu and tempeh help with blood sugar control and support weight loss, making them a healthy food option for people with diabetes.  You might be looking to cut back on meat for several reasons. Red and processed meats have been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes and can worsen existing diabetes complications.

Five Best Diets for Diabetes

10 Apr, 2024
The U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2024 list of the best diets for people with diabetes. See which diets made the list, and the benefits and drawbacks of each. In descending order, the top five rankings of the best diets for people with diabetes were the Mediterranean, DASH, Flexitarian, MIND, and vegan diets. While all of these diets – better described as meal patterns – favor whole foods as well as minimize added sugars and refined carbohydrates, their approaches vary. All five diets, however, have been shown to help improve blood sugar levels while providing adequate nutrition.

DIABETES AND DRY MOUTH: HOW TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE

05 Apr, 2024
Beyond the impact diabetes has on blood sugar levels, one overlooked but critical issue is dry mouth. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia , occurs when there is a lack of saliva in your mouth to keep it moist. The persistent dryness of the mouth can create a number of challenges for people living with diabetes. Continue reading to learn more about diabetes and dry mouth. WHAT CAUSES DRY MOUTH WITH DIABETES? Anyone can get dry mouth, but it is particularly common in individuals with diabetes . The primary reason for this association is likely due to elevated glucose levels. When blood sugar levels are persistently elevated, it can lead to frequent urination, resulting in dehydration and dry mouth.

8 Best Grains for People With Diabetes

02 Apr, 2024
Grains are an excellent source of fiber and other vital nutrients, but which are best for diabetes? Here's why nutritious options like farro, oats, and quinoa are at the top of the list. You’ve heard both sides of the story: watch out for carbs and eat whole grains. Whole grains are indeed carbs. So, do you have to avoid them? The answer is a resounding no. You can enjoy an assortment of whole grains as part of your balanced diet. Grains have a blood-sugar-lowering effect , are extremely versatile, and can add variety to your meals. Which ones should be on your plate? Explore these grain options and discover why you should be eating them. What are grains? Grains are the seeds of grassy plants or cereals like wheat and corn. The seeds of non-grassy plants or pseudocereals like quinoa and buckwheat are also edible. Common grains include: 

Spiced Eggplant Steaks

21 Mar, 2024
This Middle Eastern-inspired roast eggplant dish comes from the “The Noom Kitchen,” a new cookbook from Noom that features nutrient-dense, calorically mindful recipes.
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