Diabetes is a growing problem. Nearly eight percent of the U.S. population has type 2 diabetes and the numbers are rising daily. You may be at risk of developing diabetes if you:
• Have high blood pressure or are already on blood pressure medication
• Have elevated blood sugar
• Are overweight (particularly around the waist)
• Have low HDL cholesterol (the good kind – this should be a high number)
• Have high triglycerides (this should be a low number)
• Are 45 or older
• Had diabetes during a previous pregnancy
• A family history of diabetes
• Gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
• Exercise less than three times a week
• Come from a high risk ethnic background, including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and Native Americans
Warning signs of type 2 diabetes include unexplained weight loss, increased thirst and urination, fatigue and bleary vision. Many people have no symptoms until their blood sugar soars.
The time to treat diabetes is before you get it. Make appropriate lifestyle changes now and prevent diabetes from ambushing your future.
Start with your diet. Limit beverages such as pop and fruit juices. Focus on lean poultry, fish and other low fat proteins. Choose whole grains. Fill your plate with fresh vegetables and fruits. Exercise 30 to 60 minutes daily. Walking is easiest. If you’re overweight, dropping just 10 percent of your extra weight will lower your risk and your blood pressure too.
If you need help making changes, Evergreen Hospital Medical Center offers a 12-week intensive lifestyle intervention program that includes increased education and physical activity. The class meets two hours, one night a week. Class leaders are a cardiologist, a registered dietitian and an exercise physiologist.
Most insurance programs cover the $750 cost. The next Diabetes Prevention Program begins Jan. 18. Call 425-899-3001 for more information. If you need more information on diabetes, call Evergreen’s Healthline at 425-899-3000 or go to www.evergreenhospital.org.
