November is National Diabetes Month, and health leaders are encouraging community members to be aware of warning signs and take steps to manage this disease.
Diabetes develops when a person’s blood sugar is too high. If diabetes goes unmanaged, it can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
It’s also linked to some types of cancer. The point of the awareness campaign is to take action to prevent diabetes health problems, such as eating healthy meals and being physically active. Diabetes symptoms can include: significant thirst and hunger, weight loss without trying, blurred vision, tingling hands or feet, fatigue, dry skin, and sores.
Tips for managing the disease:
Manage your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Take steps toward healthy habits, including planning healthy meals, being physically active, getting enough sleep and avoiding smoking.
Reach or maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, ask your health care provider if healthy eating, physical activity or other weight-loss treatments may help manage your weight.
Get a dilated eye exam at least once a year and share the results with your health care provider. Visit an eye professional right away if you see little black lines or spots that do not go away, see any red spots or a red fog, have a sudden change in how clearly you see or take longer than usual to adjust to darkness.
Check your feet every day for calluses, cuts, sores, blisters, red spots and swelling. Wash them every day with warm water and dry them well, including between your toes.
Get a dental exam once or more a year and take care of your teeth at home, brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush two or more times a day and flossing at least once a day.
Take your medicines on time.
Take care of your mental health. If you feel down, sad or overwhelmed, talk with your health care provider about mental health resources or visit berriencounty.org/1697/Mental-Health.
The Berrien County Health Department offers free hearing and vision screenings for school-age children in Berrien County as well as a list of eye care providers who accept Medicaid health insurance.
