Blog, Newly Diagnosed

I Am a Diabetic: What Does This Mean?

Just about everyone has at least heard of the word diabetes, but many don’t understand exactly what being diabetic means – and, if you were diagnosed, that’s probably one of the first things you wondered.

  • You’re considered a diabetic when your blood sugar is too high (typically if blood glucose is higher than 130 mg/dl before a meal, or above 180 mg/dl two hours after the first bite of a meal).
  • Diabetes is a serious condition that won’t go away or get better on its own.  It’s essential to play an active role in controlling it, as well as to have regular ongoing medical care.
  • The goal of treatment is to keep blood sugar levels in the “safe range,” which reduces the risk of developing serious complications like blindness, amputation, heart disease, stroke and problems with the kidneys or nervous system.
  • Managing and even reversing diabetes is possible for those who follow a healthy diet, get regular exercise including both cardio and resistance, address necessary lifestyle adjustments recommended by healthcare providers, lean on the support of family and friends, and take medications and/or insulin as prescribed.
  • Diabetics who are able to keep their blood sugar levels in a healthy range can still live a full, rich life while lessening the risk of developing potentially serious complications.

-Be Well

 

 

 

 

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