Wednesday, November 2, 2016

November is American Diabetes Month

According to the American Diabetes Association, Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. According to Mayo Clinic, diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affects how your body uses sugar (glucose). Glucose is an extremely vital source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. It's also your brain's main source of fuel. There are several types of chronic diabetes-type 1, type 2. potentially reversible types of diabetes are -prediabetes and gestational diabetes. if you have too much sugar (glucose) in your blood, you have diabetes no matter the cause. Be aware that too much sugar in your blood can lead to major complications such as stroke, heart disease, blindness and loss of lower extremities. One in 11 Americans have diabetes — that’s more than 29 million people. Sadly, 1 in 4 people do not know they have it. And another 86 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
To raise awareness about diabetes and healthy living, Black Nurses Rock Philadelphia is proudly participating in American Diabetes Month by volunteering at the Diabetes walk on 11/5/16. I am proud to be a part of such an empowering organization of nurses that educates and supports our community. Locally, according to FoodFitPhilly.org, Philadelphia has the highest rate of Diabetes among the 10 largest counties in the country with more than 15% of Philadelphians living with the disease. With these statistics, we all need to be a part of the awareness movement.
If you are overweight, have high blood pressure, or are age 45 or older, you are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that making healthy changes can greatly lower your risk. 
To help prevent type 2 diabetes:
  • Watch your weight
  • Eat healthy
  • Get more physical activity
According to the Mayo Clinic if you have type 1 or 2 diabetes you may have the following symptoms:
  • extreme thirst
  • frequent urination
  • extreme hunger
  • unexplained weight loss
  • presence of ketones in the urine ( ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat when there is not enough insulin)
  • fatigue
  • irritability
  • blurred vision
  • slow-healing sores
  • frequent infections that may involve the gums, skin or vagina
It is very important to have annual physicals and discuss your care with your physician. The proper tests and blood work may bring attention to the disease or help prevent it from developing fully. Also before starting any new routines such as herbs/medications/diet changes/exercising please consult your physician

As always if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Angel Nurseworks. We will help address your concerns and/or lead you to the proper resources to receive optimal care and treatment.

Wishing you the best in all that you do!

Deneene Shipanga RN BSN
Owner/Manager 
Angel Nurseworks, LLC
Boutique Private Duty Nursing At Its Best
Business:267-225-7505
www.angelnurseworks.com



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