Diabetes: What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You!

Chances are, you or someone you know has diabetes or prediabetes – and it might be undiagnosed. As of 2012, 29.1 million Americans had diabetes. Of the 29.1 million, 21.0 million were diagnosed and 8.1 million were undiagnosed. Another 86 million Americans had prediabetes.

Those are some scary statistics, and I have seen firsthand how the fears associated with diabetes can impact those who are living with the disease as well as their loved ones. But I’ve also seen firsthand how being empowered can make a significant difference in how well diabetes is managed. In addition to being a Certified Diabetes Educator for nearly 20 years, I have two close family members with T1 and T2 diabetes.

Knowledge is power, and strategies are empowering. That’s why I say “what you don’t know can hurt you”.

Here’s what you NEED to know:

1. You need to know your numbers!

Do you know if you have diabetes (or prediabetes), or if you are at risk for diabetes? Getting a handle on diabetes as early as possible will help prevent or delay long term complications. This online risk test is a good place to start: http://www.diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/. Don’t be afraid to talk with your doctor and ask to be tested. If you have diabetes, you need to know your blood glucose levels in order to determine how your food intake and activity level are affecting those numbers. Monitoring your blood glucose gives you the information you need to have flexibility in your diet and exercise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. You need to know “carbs” are not the enemy!

Contrary to popular belief, you can eat anything you want and still have good blood glucose control.

To find out the “secret” to eating what you want while keeping your blood glucose in control, and learn the THIRD thing you NEED to know about diabetes, read my full article at FoodInsight.org.

For more information about me, check out my Guilt-Free RD philosophy!

Check out other posts on my “Food for Thought” blog.

Listen to my podcast conversations with food and nutrition experts.

Note of Disclosure: I’m pleased to be a consultant to The International Food Information Council, providing blogs and other social media content that shares their resources for health professionals and the public. I believe whole-heartedly in their mission of effectively communicating science-based information on health, nutrition and food safety for the public good.
Thank you for visiting my site! I hope you have a Guilt-Free day!
Melissa

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