November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and I’m thrilled to launch an educational campaign aimed at helping you manage diabetes or pre-diabetes and even prevent the onset of diabetes altogether.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 26 million Americans currently have diabetes, and another estimated 79 million are living with pre-diabetes. If current trends persist, it’s projected that by 2050, 1 in 3 U.S. adults will be diagnosed with diabetes. If you know more than two people, chances are you’re aware of someone affected by or at risk for this condition.
Understanding what is happening in your body and coming to terms with your feelings about a diabetes diagnosis can significantly enhance your commitment to the lifestyle changes necessary for restoring your health and achieving normal blood sugar levels.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is characterized by the body’s improper regulation of blood sugar levels. Typically, when we consume food, our bodies break it down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream with the intent of fueling our cells. In response to rising glucose levels, the pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that facilitates the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. The amount of insulin released correlates directly with the glucose present in the blood.
However, when someone has diabetes, this process is disrupted, making it difficult for glucose to move from the bloodstream into the cells.
What is Pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes occurs when your body struggles to regulate blood glucose levels, a condition sometimes referred to as impaired glucose tolerance. If behavioral changes are not implemented promptly, a diagnosis of diabetes is likely in the future.
The Emotional Impact of a Diabetes Diagnosis
The emotions that often accompany a diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes can be profound and are an essential component of your treatment plan. It’s common to experience feelings of panic, denial, confusion, frustration, anger, and fear. These emotions often stem from a perceived lack of control over your health.
The first step in managing diabetes is recognizing and addressing these feelings. If left unchecked, they can undermine your efforts to adhere to your treatment plan and make necessary lifestyle changes. By acknowledging your emotions and granting yourself the space to process them, you’ll be better equipped to implement the changes needed to manage your condition.
Later this month, we will delve deeper into treatment options as we continue to celebrate National Diabetes Awareness Month.
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Diabetes Data and Statistics.” Accessed August 1, 2011. CDC.
- “Living with Diabetes Blog.” Mayo Clinic, March 3, 2009. Mayo Clinic.
- Mayo Clinic. “Prediabetes.” January 26, 2012. Mayo Clinic.