June, 2010

Diabetes: What’s the big deal?

The incidence of Type 2 Diabetes has exploded worldwide in the past two decades. There are now 1.6 million newly diagnosed diabetics each year in the U.S. High risk groups include the elderly, African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans. There is a considerably higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke among diabetics. Diabetes is now the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. The cost of this disease is estimated at $174 billion in 2007. This means that 1 in 5 healthcare dollars is spent on caring for diabetes, a staggering burden on our economy.

Can we do anything about it?

The good news is that diabetes Type 2 is largely preventable. Studies done in China, Finland, Japan, India, as well as the U.S. indicate that lifestyle changes, including weight loss, dietary control and regular exercise reduce the risk of developing diabetes in high risk individuals by about 58%. This is better than any of the medicines available. Lifestyle change is powerful in impacting the risk of developing this disease.

How do I know if I am at risk for diabetes?

Besides the ethnic or age-related groups mentioned above, you are at risk for diabetes if you have a family history of diabetes, if you have had a baby weighing over 9 lbs., if you had gestational diabetes during a pregnancy, have a history of polycystic ovary disease, if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, are overweight or sedentary.

How do I get started?

Losing weight, even a few lbs., makes a measurable difference. For example, for every kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of weight lost, you reduce the risk of diabetes by 16%. Current recommendations include: exercise regularly for 30 minutes daily 5 days a week, lose weight if appropriate (5-10%), limit fat content to less than 30% of total calories, reduce portion size and increase fruits, vegetables and fiber in the diet. If you need more help, talk to your doctor, and join us at GetFitColville. Stop by the Colville Fitness Center and sign up. We will help you make lasting changes that will help you to prevent diabetes and live healthier.

What if I already have diabetes?

You can still make lifestyle changes that will reduce your need for medicines and keep you healthier. You can still implement the recommendations above, under the guidance of your physician, and your diabetes will be easier to manage.

Here’s to you staying healthy, from all of us at GetFitColville and Washington Health Foundations.