Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Posts Tagged ‘diabetes’

Foot Hygiene: Don’t Kick It Down the Road

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , on December 19, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Christmas stockings
Photo by Any Lane on Pexels.com

I was hanging up our stockings this year and started thinking about the origins of this Christmas tradition, which then led me to start thinking about my feet. Like many men, I’m not one that goes in for pedicures, but I probably should. I’ll be honest, my feet are not in great shape. I often let my toenails get too long as well, and sometimes they dig into my skin and cause issues, especially when I play tennis or going on a hike. One of the most painful procedures I’ve ever had was having one of my toenails removed after a long week of backpacking. I’m also type 1 diabetic, so if I ever develop neuropathy, my lack of foot hygiene could become a real problem, especially if I can’t feel festering wounds. Foot amputations are still common in people with diabetes.

The feet are the workhorses on our bodies, and sometimes we don’t think about them until there are problems. Foot problems can make it hard to be physically active and do our everyday activities. Some points to consider when thinking about foot hygiene:

  • If you have diabetes, check your feet every day and look for wounds. A small mirror will help you find wounds. As mentioned, diabetes neuropathy limits sensation and blood flow in the extremities, and so infections and ulcers can be painful and result in amputations if not treated. Calluses and dry skin might also be problems with diabetic neuropathy.
  • Trim your nails once a week. This will eliminate painful hangnails and abrasions when toenails get too long and dig into the skin.
  • See a doctor if you have toe fungus or discoloration in the nails.
  • Change your socks once a day, especially if you are physically active. Consider buying sweat wicking socks to keep your feet dry. Warm moist environments are breeding grounds for funguses and bacteria, associated with Athletes foot and other infections.
  • Shoes should fit well, have good ventilation, and be rotated every other day especially with athletic shoes.
  • If you have foot odor or chronically sweaty feet consider using talcum powder or baby powder to dry your feet.
  • To avoid athletes’ foot and warts, avoid going barefoot in public places such as gyms, looker rooms, dressing rooms.
  • Consider seeing a doctor if you have any swelling, infection, warts, fungus, discoloration, calluses, or chronic pain. A podiatrist can prescribe inserts, special shoes or socks depending on your situation.

Although getting a pedicure can be healthy endeavor, the CDC recommends making sure the establishment that is clean and licensed by your state’s cosmetology board. Make sure the salon sterilizes instruments after each use (such as nail clippers, scissors, and other tools).

Author: Dan Remley, Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition, and Wellness, Ohio State University Extension

Reviewer: Jessica Lowe, FCS Educator, Pickaway County, Ohio State University Extension

Sources:

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Water Sanitation, and Environmental Regulated Hygiene. Foot Hygiene. Accessed 12/19/2023 at https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/personal-hygiene/feet.html

WebMD. Tips for Health Feet. Accessed 12/19/2023 at https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/healthy-feet-tips

Read Full Post »

The Truth About Prediabetes

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 26, 2023| 1 Comment »

Piece of paper that says Prediabetes are you at risk? and a check box of Yes or No with a pen pointing at NO.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts 37 million people in the United States. What’s even more shocking is 1 in 5 people don’t know they have it. Approximately 12.1% of the adult population in Ohio have a diagnosis of diabetes. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure but there are various lifestyle factors that lower your risk. These include weight loss, choosing healthy foods, and increasing your activity. In the United States, more than 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes and 80% of them are unaware they have it. Prediabetes raises your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Approximately 10% of people with prediabetes progress to type 2 diabetes each year. For most individuals who develop type 2 diabetes, the beginning of the disease started several years before they met the criteria for diagnosis. By the time someone is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 50-70% of their pancreatic islet cells are not functioning.  However, if prediabetes is caught early enough, proven and achievable lifestyle changes can help to reverse it.

Prediabetes is where an individuals blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Someone may have prediabetes for years without any symptoms. The real burden for people with or at risk of type 2 diabetes is the long term, life threatening complications of the disease that are often asymptomatic. Prediabetes is associated with an increased chance for developing serious health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, neuropathy, or kidney failure. Not only can diabetes lead to serious health complications, but it’s also very expensive. Medical costs for those living with diabetes are more than twice as high compared to those without. Diagnosed diabetes costs ~$12.3 billion in Ohio each year. Risk of early death for adults living with diabetes is 60% higher than adults without. 

It’s important to have your healthcare provider to check your Hemoglobin A1C or fasting blood glucose to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis of prediabetes. Some risk factors include: being overweight, being > 45 years old, having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes, physical inactivity, a history of gestational diabetes, or having polycystic ovary syndrome. If you would like to see where you stand, take this 1-minute prediabetes risk test. If your score indicates a high risk for prediabetes, visit your doctor for a simple blood test to confirm your result.

Prediabetes infograph on health risk, and statistics of 96 million americans have prediabetes and more than 8 in 10 adults do not know they have it.

Written by: Shannon Smith, MFN, RD, LD, CDCES, Program Coordinator, Wood County Family and Consumer Sciences

Reviewed by: Susan Zies, M.Ed. Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Wood County

Read Full Post »

New class of drugs for diabetes and weight loss. A magic bullet?

Posted in Healthy People, Uncategorized, tagged , , on June 20, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Picture of diabetes education materials
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

There is a class of drugs out called GLP-1 receptor agonists that have been shown to be beneficial for weight loss and diabetes management. Many of these drugs are injected daily or weekly and mimic hormones that are released when you are eating which ultimately lower blood sugar. These drugs are also thought to slow down digestion which curbs appetite by producing a “full” feeling. Some brand names of these drugs include Ozempic, Trulicity, and Victoza. A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that use of GLP-1 over a 15-week period resulted in an average of 35 pounds of weight loss. The drugs have also shown to be effective with lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, although it’s not clear if these benefits are due to the drugs or weight loss. Generally, side effects are minimal but do include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. When coupled with other diabetes drugs, low blood sugar might also be another complication.

The drugs are becoming so popular that supply is not able to keep up with demand. Many insurance plans will not approve these drugs for weight loss but only to manage type 2 diabetes. Some pharmacists and doctors are recommending lower doses, which can still be beneficial. Health behaviors such as healthy eating, physical activity, and smoking cessation are still important whether one is using these drugs for weight loss or diabetes management. The long-term side effects aren’t clear although some evidence suggests that there is an increased risk of thyroid cancer. Therefore, delaying the use of these drugs or using lower doses through lifestyle changes might be beneficial in the long term.

If considering these drugs, talk to your doctor and pharmacist about your options, especially with insurance plans. If using for weight loss, you might need to pay a lot of money out of pocket. There are coupons that can be used to get started. If you have diabetes, consider attending diabetes education classes in your community. Diabetes education will help you better manage diabetes regardless of what medication you are on. Dining with Diabetes is a healthy cooking class offered in most states by the Cooperative Extension Service that offers diabetes education, healthy cooking demonstrations, and taste-testing. Ohio State University Extension offers Dining with Diabetes in some counties. In addition, a free online class called Dining with Diabetes: Beyond the Kitchen is also offered.

Author: Dan Remley, Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition and Wellness, OSU Extension

Reviewer: Jessica Lowe, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County

Sources:

Bonner, Lauren. Pharmacy Today. GLP-1 receptor agonists: Breaking down the hype and demand. Accessed at https://pharmacist.com/Publications/Pharmacy-Today/Article/glp-1-receptor-agonists-breaking-down-the-hype-and-demand

Castro, Regina MD. Mayo Clinic. GLP-1 Agonists: Diabetes Drugs and Weight Loss. Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/expert-answers/byetta/faq-20057955

Diabetes Self-Management. Long term use of GLP-1 agonists may increase Thyroid cancer risk. Accessed at https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/news-research/2022/12/21/long-term-use-of-glp-1-agonists-may-increase-thyroid-cancer-risk/#:~:text=Taking%20a%20GLP-1%20receptor%20agonist%20%E2%80%94%20a%20group,new%20study%20published%20in%20the%20journal%20Diabetes%20Care.

Pharmacy Today logo

Read Full Post »

How sweet is your holiday season?

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , on December 13, 2022| Leave a Comment »

People of various ages baking

The holiday season is referred to as “the most wonderful time of the year” in a popular holiday song. While it can be a time of joy, gathering, cheer, and giving, it is also a time when many of us eat more, especially sweets. These treats may partially explain why we enjoy this time of year so much. We not only enjoy eating them, but making tasty treats with friends or family likely brings happiness and fond memories. While having sweet treats every now and then can be part of an overall balanced diet, eating too many sweets or eating them too often can derail a healthy eating plan and lifestyle.

A couple months ago I had my yearly health screening for our insurance. For the past few years my hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) has been climbing. This year it was 5.9 which puts me in the prediabetes category. Now, you might wonder, how can someone whose job it is to help others lead a healthy lifestyle have numbers that are high? Well, many factors can lead to elevated glucose (blood sugar) levels which cause HbA1C to be elevated. Some of these include:

  • Family history
  • Lifestyle factors including obesity/overweight and lack of physical activity
  • Insulin resistance
  • Gene mutations
  • Hormonal diseases
  • Damage to or removal of the pancreas
  • Certain medicines

My father has and most of my uncles had type II diabetes, as well as a few other family members. Additionally, I have not been nearly as active the past couple years as I have been previously, especially when it comes to resistance exercises. Nor am I getting any younger. In addition, while it’s not necessarily a risk factor, stress can impact the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, and I have definitely had more stress the past year or so. With my youngest child graduating and heading off to college and now my husband and I building a new house, my stress level has been higher than usual. My daughter has adjusted well and is doing fantastic, despite a hard course load, so that has helped me to adjust better to the empty house. I have also been trying to exercise more, though I still need to get back to doing resistance exercises.

Dog licking his snout with dog bisquits on table in front of him

In addition to striving to be more active again, I have been watching the amount of carbohydrates, especially added sugar, in my diet. As I have reduced the amount of carbs, especially processed ones, I notice I don’t crave them as often and smaller servings satisfy. I do not have any symptoms of diabetes or prediabetes, and I am encouraged and motivated to be more proactive to keep it that way.

As we celebrate the holiday season, focusing on gratitude now and all throughout the year may help reduce how much we eat. I do intend to have some of the tasty treats that help make this time of year special, and I will plan my eating based on how I can indulge in treats while still keeping my ultimate goal of a healthy lifestyle a priority.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, September 30). All about your A1C. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/managing-blood-sugar/a1c.html

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Diabetes Diet, eating, & physical activity. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Insulin Resistance & Prediabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-insulin-resistance

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Symptoms & causes of diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/symptoms-causes

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Your game plan to prevent type 2 diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-type-2-diabetes/game-plan

Written by Misty Harmon, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Perry County

Reviewed by Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension, Franklin County

Read Full Post »

Diabetes-Not Your Grandparent’s Disease

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , on August 29, 2022| 3 Comments »

With lifestyles constantly changing we need new opportunities for managing our well-being. Lifestyle Education is an on-going need for all family members. Everyday we hear how our health and wellness is under “attack”. We question the information being presented by and through the worldwide economic markets. America prides itself and supports research-based educational institutions. American History supports this fact by our legislative branch of government passing the Morrill Act of 1862 in which land was set a side to establish “land-grant colleges and universities” ; and in 1914, passing the Smith-Lever Act that established the Cooperative Extension Service in Agriculture and Home Economics.

What does this mean to Americans today – 108 years later? The demand for Continuing Lifestyle Education is higher today then in 1914. The Ohio State University Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Educators have stepped up to address the demand by offering Virtual Dining with Diabetes, a Lifestyle Education opportunity.

Registration: go.osu.edu/dwdfallseries2022

Written by:  Margaret Jenkins, OSU Extension Assistant Professor, Clermont County jenkins.188@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Beth Stefura, OSU Extension Educator, Mahoning County. stefura.2@osu.edu

References:

Jones, Jo M. and Spiegel, Marilyn. Memories and Milestones of OSU Extension 1905-2013. Columbus, OH: The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, 2013.

Remley, Daniel and Leadership Team. National Extension Dining with Diabetes Working Group. Housed at Ohio State University Extension in College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, https://fcs.osu.edu/programs/nutrition/dining-diabetes. 2022.

Boschetto, Lacee R. and Williams, Amber S. Enriching an FCS Teacher Education Program with a Non-Formal Educational Emphasis. Proc. of American Association Family & Consumer Sciences Annual Meeting, Orlando, 2022.

Read Full Post »

Enjoy Oats Today

Posted in Healthy People, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on February 14, 2022| Leave a Comment »

Rolled Oats
Rolled Oats

As a young child I remember my dad eating oatmeal every morning for breakfast. I’m not an oatmeal fan at all and I remember thinking to myself, how could he eat the same thing repeatedly. For me it’s something about the texture that I can’t get past. However, now that I’m older I’ve realized that my dad was eating oatmeal for the health benefits that oats provide. Healthline lists 9 benefits:

  1. Oats are incredibly nutritious. They are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber along with important vitamins and minerals.
  2. Whole oats are rich in antioxidants. Some of the antioxidants have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects along with leading to better blood flow.
  3. Oats contain a powerful soluble fiber which helps in reducing cholesterol levels and blood sugar response.
  4. They can lower cholesterol levels reducing both LDL and total cholesterol.
  5. Oats can improve blood sugar control by delaying absorption of glucose into the blood.
  6. Oatmeal is very filling and may help you lose weight. The feeling of fullness helps reduce calorie intake.
  7. Finely ground oats may help with skin care and have long been used to help treat dry and itchy skin.
  8. Research suggests eating oats can decrease the risk of childhood asthma.
  9. Studies also indicate that the fiber from oats may help relieve constipation.

Oats are considered a whole grain and whole grains have been shown to help reduce the risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases.

With all of those amazing benefits, I wanted to find a way to incorporate oats into my daily living. Some ways that my family and I enjoy oats are in:

What’s your favorite way to enjoy oats?

Sources:

https://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101 https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000727.htm

Author: Amanda Bohlen, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Washington County, bohlen.19@osu.edu

Reviewer: Dan Remley, Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition, Wellness. Ohio State University Extension, remley.4@osu.edu

Read Full Post »

Don’t Kid around with Your Kidneys

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , on October 4, 2021| Leave a Comment »

Can of Kidney Beans

When I was in my early 40s my ankles started to swell up. I was healthy in every other way with the exception of living with Type 1 diabetes. Through a urine and blood test, doctors were concerned that I had some indicators of a kidney disease. After a biopsy, I was was diagnosed with idiopathic nephropathy. My kidneys were inflamed and damaged from an autoimmune reaction. Fortunately, doctors were able to treat it successfully through medicines and monitoring.

When we are healthy, we might not think about our kidneys. When we have a chronic disease like diabetes, we still might not think about our kidneys, as I didn’t. We should though, as kidney disease is becoming more and more common today and is a potential complication of chronic diseases like diabetes. Kidneys play an important role in our bodies. They remove wastes, extra fluid, and acids to maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals. In addition, kidneys produce hormones that help control blood pressure, make red blood cells, and keep our bones healthy.

Conditions such as hypertension or elevated blood sugar can be harmful to the kidneys over time as they become damaged and leaky. Kidney disease is often called the silent killer because individuals can be asymptomatic at first. As kidney disease progresses , harmful electrolytes and waste start to build up in the body. In the final stages of kidney disease, dialysis is needed. Kidney disease can be detected by routine blood and urinalysis tests. It’s imperative that people get checked if they are at high risk:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart (cardiovascular) disease
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Being Black, Native American or Asian American
  • Family history of kidney disease
  • Abnormal kidney structure
  • Older age
  • Frequent use of medications that can damage the kidneys

Fortunately, kidneys disease can be controlled or managed if it is detected early enough. Medications and behavioral changes can delay or prevent complications. Following a low sodium diet, being physically active, smoking cessation, managing blood sugar, and maintaining or reducing weight are all kidney healthy behaviors.

Author: Dan Remley, PhD, MSPH, Associate Professor, Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition, and Wellness, O.S.U. Extension

Reviewer:

Susan Zies, M.Ed, Assistant Professor, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension

Mayo Clinic. Chronic Kidney Disease. Accessed on 10/1/2021 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354521

National Kidney Foundation. Membranous Nephropathy. Accessed on 10/1/2021 https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/membranous-nephropathy-mn

National Institutes of Health. National Institute of Diabetes, Digestion, and Kidney Diseases. How do Kidneys Work? Accessed on 10/1/2021 at https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidneys-how-they-work

Zies, S. Salt: A Salty Subject. Accessed on 10/1/2021 at https://wordpress.com/post/livehealthyosu.com/3840

Read Full Post »

The Juice on Juice

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , , , , , on September 7, 2020| 1 Comment »

I love any type of juice in the morning- grape, orange, apple, cranberry, punch. It gives me that quick energy that I need to jump start my day. Juice is naturally high in carbohydrates and calories, and also some antioxidant vitamins such as C and A which help the immune system, promote heart health, and prevent cancers. Citrus juice has B vitamins and minerals such as potassium which promote nerve and muscle health. Some juice products are fortified with calcium and vitamin D which are helpful to bones and teeth. Juices such as grape juice have other antioxidants and phytochemicals which are anti-inflammatory and can also promote healthy cardiovascular systems and prevent some cancers.

As someone who lives with type 1 diabetes, juice can also be helpful to have around in case I have a low blood sugar. With that in mind, I have to be especially mindful of serving sizes when I drink juice because it could also cause a spike in my blood sugar if I don’t take enough insulin. Most juice has about 30-40 grams of carbohydrate per 8 oz serving. 8 oz doesn’t look like much in today’s mega-glasses, many of which can easily hold 32 ounces! I normally will try to use an 8 oz glass when pouring juice. In addition to being high in carbohydrates, juice is also acidic, which is especially problematic for tooth decay. Experts recommend not brushing teeth until at least an hour after consuming acidic products.

Not all juice is created equal. Most experts recommend drinking 100% juice because vitamins and minerals are higher. However 100% juice is also high in fructose, naturally found in fruit. Many juice cocktails on the market have fewer carbohydrates since they contain added sweeteners and are still fortified with vitamins. Be sure to read labels when shopping for juice.

Fruit juice lacks an important nutrient found in whole fruit- fiber. Fiber helps the digestive system, lowers cholesterol, promotes a healthy colon, lowers blood sugar spikes, just to name a few benefits. Eating an orange or an apple will give you the fiber and also the juice!

Parents should be careful not to introduce juice too early to their children. The sugar in juice can be harmful to teeth, and too much can contribute to childhood obesity. Kids should get used to drinking water, low-fat milk, and other low-calorie products. Parents can also look for lower calories juice products.

Consider other alternatives to juice such as:

Fruit infused water or herbs

A splash of juice in a spritzer

Lemon infused water, with some honey or sweetner

Tea

Author:  Dan Remley, MSPH, PhD, Associate Professor and Field Specialist, OSU Extension

Reviewer: Alisha Barton, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Miami County, barton.345@osu.edu

Sources:

WebMD: Juices, the Best and Worst for Your Health. Retrieved on 9/8/20 from https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-juice-wars

WebMD: Choose Fruit Wisely. Retrieved on 9/8/20 from https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/fruit-diabetes-sugar

Remley, D. Nutrition and Dental Hygiene: Myths versus Facts. Retrieved on 9/8/20 from https://livehealthyosu.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=12050&action=edit

Photo by PhotoMIX Company on Pexels.com

Read Full Post »

Live Well with Diabetes

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on March 5, 2020| Leave a Comment »

 

diabetes

Live Well with Diabetes

Learning you have diabetes is a significant life change.   It is common to feel sad or angry with the diagnosis.  Managing your blood sugar is the key to living well with diabetes.  Below are some suggestions to manage your blood sugar and live your best life:

  • Know Your Type of Diabetes

Learn about your type of diabetes. Talk with your physician and get the facts.

  • Monitor Your Blood Sugars

Check your blood sugars as directed by your physician and record your readings.                Your readings reveal how food, activity, stress and medications affect your blood                sugars.

  • Know your A1C

A1C is a simple blood test that gives you a picture of your average blood sugar level            over the past two to three months. For most adults with diabetes, an A1C of less                  than 7% is ideal. This indicates good blood sugar control which helps reduce risks              of diabetes complications.

  • Eat Well

Work with a Registered Dietitian or a Certified Diabetes Educator to develop a meal           plan. Prepare healthy meals every day, learn what foods contain the most                             carbohydrates, and understand how carbohydrates fit into your meal plan.

  • Be Active

Physical  activity is one of the best tools for managing diabetes.  Strive for daily                   activity and keep it fun.  Vary your routine to keep from getting bored. You might               join a social group that walks, sign up for a bowling league, visit a park or find                     interesting places to walk such as the zoo, shopping malls or museums.

  • Seek Support
    A well-rounded team of healthcare experts will teach you how to manage diabetes and minimize associated health risks. Your healthcare team should include a primary care provider, endocrinologist, registered dietitian, diabetes educator and a pharmacist.  Family and friends are also valuable members of your team.

 

  • Manage Medications

Take any medications prescribed by your physician regularly and on time. Learn                what each medication does and why you are taking it and set up a system to make              it easier to manage medications.

  • Create a Diabetes Tool Kit

In addition to keeping a blood sugar log and a medication chart to share with                      healthcare providers in case of an emergency, you may want to create a small                      travel bag that contains an ID card or bracelet; a meter, lancet and test strips;                      diabetes medications; an insulin pen, syringe and test strips, fast acting sugar                      tablets.

  •   You may also want to have coping techniques in your toolkit

Make diabetes a part of life instead of life being all about diabetes!

 

Written by: Beth Stefura, OSU Extension Educator, Mahoning County. stefura.2@osu.edu

Reviewed by:  Jenny Lobb, OSU Extension Educator, Franklin County.  lobb.3@osu.edu

 

References:

American Diabetes Association. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Full Post »

Helping a Family Member Cope with Diabetes

Posted in Healthy People, Healthy Relationships, tagged , , on November 14, 2019| Leave a Comment »

Couple talking to doctor about diabetes

November is American Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a serious and costly chronic disease that affects about 10% of all US adults. What’s often lost in this statistic though, is that they have loved ones who often share the burden of managing diabetes. When a person is diagnosed with diabetes they often have multiple behaviors that they are asked to adopt, including changing eating and physical activity patterns, monitoring blood sugar and taking medication. Loved ones can either help or hurt someone manage diabetes depending on how they communicate and interact.  Poor relationships between family members can lead to poor diabetes self-care, high blood sugars, stress, and many other negative health outcomes.

Family members and loved ones can help a loved one by adopting these strategies:

  • Be aware that behavior change is difficult and can take months to develop a habit. People go through different stages and can even relapse.
  • Nagging doesn’t help people change. They have to be motivated to change themselves. Others in the family can help the person with diabetes discover their own internal motivations. Asking questions that start with “what, why, how” can get loved ones thinking about what they are looking forward to in life and why it might be important to manage diabetes.
    • “What are you looking forward to within the next six months?”
    • “How will diabetes affect your plans?”
  • When it comes to discussing the potential consequences of inaction, use “I” statements and observations versus “you” statements, which can come across as shaming or nagging. For example:
    • “I care about you and I’m worried about the complications that diabetes can cause if we don’t make some changes.”
  • Listen to your loved one’s frustrations, concerns, emotions. Repeat what they say so they know you are listening.
  • Change your own habits and behaviors to support your spouse or family member. If you don’t eat healthy, it won’t be easy for your loved one!
  • Family members need to be on the same page in terms of understanding diabetes management. Visit the doctor together and ask questions or take classes together. Consider taking Dining with Diabetes: Beyond the Kitchen together. The course focuses on carbohydrates, fats, sodium, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This easy to follow three-module course includes interactive presentations, videos, activities, and access to trusted resources and apps.
  • Encourage your family member to set their own goals, and to find someone to hold them accountable.

Sources

American Diabetes Month. American Diabetes Association. (2019). Accessed at http://www.diabetes.org

Dellifield, J., Remley, D., Baker, S., Bates, J. Communication Strategies to Support a Family Member with Diabetes. (2018). Ohioline. Accessed at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-5322

Treber, M. Set a Wellness Goal for the New Year. Live Healthy Live Well Blog. (2019). Accessed at https://livehealthyosu.com/2013/01/07/set-a-wellness-goal-for-2013-4/

Author: Dan Remley, MSPH, PhD Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition, Wellness. OSU Extension.

Reviewer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension, Ross County.

 

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »