Diabetes Management & Symptoms
DON’T BE ANOTHER STATISTIC
Diabetes, a silent and deadly disease, disproportionally affects South Texas. In Bexar County alone, 14.2% of adults are diabetic, that is double the national average, and that number is projected to double or triple by 2050 if current trends continue. Diabetes isn’t yet a curable disease but it is a disease that can be prevented or managed. People with diabetes can live long, healthy, and happy lives. Our goal is to provide tools and resources to help you understand diabetes symptoms and management to avoid becoming another statistic.
DIABETES SYMPTOMS
First, it’s important to know common diabetes symptoms as early detection decrease the risk of developing complications, which include stroke, leg pain due to poor circulation, wounds that won’t heal and even amputation, in its most severe form.
- Urinating often
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1)
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2).
SMALL STEPS FOR YOUR HEALTH
There are things you can do to prevent diabetes or its complications, but where do you start? You make small changes, one-step at a time. It’s not always easy to eat healthy and be active in today’s fast-paced world but each small step, over time, can change your habits. A few small changes can have a big impact on your health.
Your eating plan is a powerful tool, here’s what to include in your Healthy Plate to manage your blood sugar.
Regular physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Light walking is a great place to start—and a great habit to incorporate into your life. Here are a few tips to start a walking program:
- Start with slow, short sessions and build gradually.
- Watch your posture. Walk tall.
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after walking.
- Incorporate a warm up, cool down and stretches into your routine.
- Develop a habit by walking at least 5 days a week.
Foot care is especially important for diabetics with poor circulation to their feet. Here are some Do’s for Happy Feet.
- Wash your feet daily with warm water and soap and dry between toes
- Trim toenails carefully or see a podiatrist with any concerns
- Check feet daily or ask for help
- Wear proper fitting shoes
- Keep skin soft with non-alcohol lotion.
Our article “What are your feet telling you about your health” shares more info on the importance of noticing changes in your foot health.
Help us sound the alarm about diabetes. If you or someone you know is experiencing diabetes symptoms make certain they see a physician and are managing their illness. It is crucial for people to know their diabetes risk and the steps they can take to reverse this debilitating disease.
For more information or to make an appointment with a PVA physician call 210.237.4444 or visit www.PVAsatx.com.
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