Learn These Four Facts on American Diabetes Association Alert Day
The American Diabetes Association established Diabetes Alert Day to fall on the fourth Tuesday each March. The goal is to raise awareness of the realities of diabetes and the impact it has on your health. Have your parents seen their doctor and talked about their diabetes risk?
Maybe, your mom or dad has already been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes. It’s important to learn what to do to prevent diabetes from worsening their health. These four diabetes facts are essential for you to know.
The Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors
Several other health issues increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. If your mom or dad has any of these conditions or histories, it heightens the risk.
- Family history
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
Diabetes also impacts the risk of being diagnosed with chronic health conditions like gum disease, stroke, and heart disease. That’s why it’s essential to get tested for prediabetes.
Millions Have Diabetes or Prediabetes
In the U.S., around 96 million adults have prediabetes. Of those, 80% may not even know it. There are no symptoms, and it’s often silent until a blood test reveals high glucose levels.
Over 37 million people have diabetes. About 20% of those people do not realize it. Type 2 diabetes accounts for nine out of ten cases of diabetes. This is a 2x increase in just two decades.
Prediabetes Shows an Increased Risk
Your parents’ doctors can check their risk for prediabetes to determine the risk of developing diabetes down the road. An A1C test is a blood test that checks the average glucose levels in the blood.
If the A1C test is used, make sure your parents do not have underlying health issues like anemia, kidney disease, or liver disease. Those conditions can impact the results.
Medications Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels
The first steps to managing diabetes are losing weight, exercising often, and eating a healthy diet. Your mom and dad should skip sugary, high-fat foods and focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, non-fat dairy, and lean protein.
If those steps don’t help, medications may be recommended. One of the options for type 2 diabetes is a medication that slows glucose production within the liver. These medications aid in how your body uses insulin.
Arrange to Have Home Care Providers Helping Your Mom and Dad
Whether your parents have diabetes or have a higher risk due to prediabetes, they need to pay close attention to their health through diet and exercise. If they don’t feel comfortable shopping for groceries and cooking meals, bringing in home care can be the best step you take.
With the help of home care aides, your parents have someone supporting them regarding exercise routines, meals, and medications. Their caregivers encourage them to go for walks or put on an instructional Yoga video. They provide medication reminders, assistance with shopping, and help with menus and meal preparation. Call to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/quick-facts.html