Diabetes . . .
Maintaining Control
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What is Diabetes?
Diabetes Mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action or both. It is a serious, costly disease that is on the rise across the United States. Presently, 200,000 people die each year due to diabetes related complications. But people with or at risk of diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.
Controllable Measures:
Diet, Exercise, Nutritional Status.
The best defense against complications is to stop them before they get a chance to progress. People afflicted with this disease are the ones responsible for their day-to-day care, which is why diabetes is referred to as a “self-managed” condition. Having control over maintaining daily blood glucose levels will not only make a diabetic feel better, but is the the key to finding the power to stay healthy.
Diet - Dietary changes must be emphasized as a primary treatment approach. Increase the consumption of fresh foods, quality sources of protein, essential fats and micro nutrients. Modifying the selection of foods produces a diet least likely to aggravate insulin response.
Exercise - Today, there is more stress and less physical activity than even a generation ago. Maintaining ideal body weight can allow diabetics to control their disease. Beyond the expected benefits of looking and feeling better, exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate glucose response.
Nutritional Status - An evaluation of one’s nutritional status might reveal the necessity of supplementation. Minerals such as Magnesium, GTF Chromium and Zinc. Essential fatty acids, circulatory agents, antioxidants and managing wound care and fungal involvement in the mouth, gut and on the skin are all factors of daily health. The Impact of Diabetes
• Diabetes was the sixth leading cause of death listed on U.S. death certificates in 1999.
• People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop coronary heart disease and stroke.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness, end-stage renal disease and lower-extremity amputations.
• Diabetes costs the United States $98.2 billion each year.
• In June 2002, President George W. Bush, along with Secretary of Health & Human Services Tommy Thompson, echoed the American Diabetes Association’s position that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important in the fight against diabetes.
For more information, or if you think you might be at risk,
call 1-877-275-7743 to schedule a consultation with Len or Joe.
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