November is American Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about the prevention and management of this chronic disease that affects nearly 26 million children and adults. To that end, we spoke with Steven Edelman, MD, Founder and Director of Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD), and Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of California San Diego. Dr. Edelman is not only passionate about getting the word out about diabetes but he is also a type 1 diabetic himself.
"I was diagnosed when I was 15," he says. "I'm 56 now so I've been living with the disease pretty much my whole life. I credit diabetes with making me appreciate life because I'm so aware of what I need to do to stay well and live as long as possible. My condition also motivated me to help others to do the same."
Although 9 out of 10 diabetics have type 2, Dr. Edelman points out that type 1 is not only a childhood disease. "Older adults need to be aware that LADA, or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes for Adults, can strike at any age. I have one patient who is 75. Very often LADA can be misdiagnosed as type 2 but the medications that work for type 2 are not effective for type 1. I tell people that if the medication they've been prescribed isn't working, that is a clue that they have type I and should get a second opinion."
However, whether his patients are type 1 or 2, Dr. Edelman recommends what he calls his "Diabetes Warranty Program." "Especially is you are over 50, you need to take very good care of yourself," he says. Here's what he recommends:
Have a Regular Meal Plan
Don't grab food on the run or you will risk making poor choices. Keeping your blood sugar under control can prevent or delay many of the complications of diabetes, and eating healthy meals on a consistent schedule will go a long way toward accomplishing that.
Take Your Medications on Time and Without Fail
Be very compliant when it comes to following instructions about taking medications. Some people even set alarms as reminders to stay on track.
Never Miss Your Yearly Exams
More so than when you were younger, you need a dilated eye exam, a kidney exam, a lipids check, a blood pressure check, and a complete physical. Early on, your body was better able to withstand the trauma of the disease but now you are more likely to be a candidate for complications. Many of these are asymptomatic so the only way to catch them before it's too late is to have a check up.
Use a Glucose Monitor
With age you may be less aware of signs that your blood sugar is actually dropping too low. Some people feel dizzy or shaky or wake up sweaty but older people may not notice these symptoms. Particularly if you live alone, don't risk passing out. With a monitor, you can immediately take steps to correct the problem.
Exercise Every Day
An active lifestyle helps keep your condition under control. If you suffer from painful diabetic neuropathy in your feet, try swimming or learn chair exercises. Not exercising because of the problem with your feet will create a vicious cycle that will only make the neuropathy worse.
Give Yourself Life Goals
When you feel like cheating on your diet or skipping an exercise session or otherwise taking chances with your health, remind yourself that you want to dance at your granddaughter's wedding some day, or spend well-earned retirement years with your spouse, or find the time to pursue dreams you've deferred during your working years. With so much to look forward to, you won't want to risk letting diabetes rob you of the long life you deserve.
Take the challenge to head off diabetes here.
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