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| Facts of Diabetes
| Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
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| Types of diabetes
| There are three major types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes; type 2 diabetes; gestational diabetes.
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| Dietary Recommendations
| No single food will supply all the nutrients your body needs, so good nutrition means eating a variety of foods. Food is divided into four main groups.
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| Activity Recommendations
| Recognizing the role of physical activity in the prevention of diabetes and as a tool to help you maintain normal blood glucose levels, the Diabetes Wellness Center has trained five Registered Nurses as Physical Fitness Specialists. As educators, they can answer most questions you may have regarding the role of physical activity in the management of your diabetes.
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| Diabetes Symptoms
| Some diabetes symptoms of include: frequent urination; excessive thirst; extreme hunger; unusual weight loss; increased fatigue; irritability; blurry vision.
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| Preventing complications of Diabetes
| Studies say that keeping your blood sugar under control helps to prevent or delay some diabetes problems. People with diabetes need to make it a priority to maintain healthy lifestyles and stick to daily routines like regular exercise, eating healthy, monitoring blood sugar and regular visits to your doctor.
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| Each clinic visit
| Management of hypertension is vitally important in preventing the complications of diabetes. Your diabetes team at the Diabetes Wellness Center will measure your blood pressure at each visit. The target blood pressure is < 130/80. Lowering your blood pressure even lower may provide additional protection against complications including renal disease. Nutrition and exercise play an important role in controlling your blood pressure. Please ask your doctor or Diabetes Educator what you can do through lifestyle changes to keep blood pressure under control.
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| Annual
| According to the Indian Health Services National Diabetes Program, specific tests and exams are recommended annually to help provide consistent, quality care to diabetic patients.
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| Exams
| Exams - taking good care of your body should be a priority. Eye, dental, and foot care could delay or prevent the onset of dangerous diabetes complications later in life.
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| Self Care Education
| Self Care Education - meal planning, nutrition education, and exersize are the primary treatment strategies for type 2 diabetes. By choosing foods wisely, exercising regularly, reducing your stress level, and making modest lifestyle changes you can positively influence your blood glucose and your overall health.
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