According to the American Diabetes Association, in 2021 11.6% of the American population had diabetes. Two million Americans have diabetes, including around 304,000 children and teens. Being aware of the risk factors of diabetes, as well as doing your best to eat a healthy, whole diet are the best ways to manage or prevent diabetes.
As November (Diabetes Awareness Month) comes to a close, Newsymom and the Tuscarawas County Health Department would like to take this opportunity to spread awareness and share tips for getting the whole family involved and excited about healthy eating.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar. There are two types of diabetes and a few key things to note about each..
1.Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly destroys the bodies insulin-creating beta cells. Without these beta cells, the pancreas does not produce insulin. People with type 1 diabetes have to take insulin in order to maintain a healthy blood glucose to live.
- Common Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, slow healing cuts or bruises, excessive hunger or weight loss even though you are eating more.
- Type 1 diabetes is commonly diagnosed in children but later in life diagnoses are not uncommon. If you have a family history of diabetes, your healthcare provider may recommend screening.
2. Type 2 Diabetes is a form of insulin-resistance. The body does not use its’ insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes can be managed by a healthy diet and exercise but sometimes requires medication or insulin for treatment.
- Common symptoms or Type 2 diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, slow healing cuts or bruises, excessive hunger even though you’re eating more or tingling/pain/numbness in the hands or feet.
- Type 2 diabetes most commonly develops in middle- age or older adults but cases have been increasing in younger people.
Untreated diabetes can lead to serious, life-long complications. Early detection and management is important in decreasing the risk of diabetic complications.
Talk with your healthcare provider to assess your risk and see if screening is something you could benefit from. If you do not have a primary care provider, the Tuscarawas County Health Department welcomes new patients. Call 330-343-5555, ext. 1810 to make an appointment.
Eating healthy
Diabetes, especially Type 2, can very often be managed or even prevented through a healthy diet and lifestyle. We often hear the term “healthy”, but what does that look like in relation to diabetes? A healthy diet is well balanced with..
- Fiber from fruits and vegetables.
- Whole grains such as oats and brown rice.
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats- avocados are a great source!
Eating a diet rich in these essential nutrients can improve insulin sensitivity and possibly reduce the risk of diabetes. Eating healthy as a family plays a key role in diabetes awareness and prevention.
Getting The Kids on Board
When a family eats healthy together, they create a supportive environment that encourages everyone to make better food choices. Here are a few ways to get kids on the right track to making lifelong healthy food choices.
- Get them involved in meal planning and prepping. Grocery shopping and cooking are great opportunities for teaching the value of our foods and how to balance a diet.
- Eat as a family. Eating as a family can help foster healthy relationships with food as well as present opportunities to talk about nutrition.
- Lead by example. It’s no secret that kids are like sponges, model what eating a balanced diet looks like and they will likely follow suit.
By showing enthusiasm for nutritious foods and making healthy eating a positive, enjoyable experience, you can encourage kids to develop lifelong healthy eating habits.
Educating kids about the importance of a balanced diet from a young age can instill lifelong healthy habits that can reduce their risk of developing diabetes. If diabetes runs in the family, making nutritious food choices together can help reduce kids’ risk of developing diabetes while fostering a supportive environment that will promote good health for everyone.