Pampering Plus Inc. Blog

You're Never Too Young or Old to Lower Your Diabetes Risk

Diabetes is a disease to be talked about, not feared. Because the more you understand, the easier it is to manage. In the US, 1 in 3 adults has prediabetes and is at risk for Type 2 diabetes, yet nearly 85% don’t know they have it. Learning about diabetes and how to prevent or delay it is the first step toward a longer, healthier life. By living a lifestyle filled with exercise and proper diet, you can have a normal life and do everything you set out to do.  To learn more, the American Diabetes Association is a wonderful resource… 

Understanding Diabetes - November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes is a chronic, long-lasting health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Your body breaks down most of the food you eat into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy. With diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should. When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. There isn’t a cure yet for diabetes, but maintaining a healthy weight, eating wholesome food, and being active can really help.

Types of Diabetes:

• Prediabetes - There are no clear symptoms of Prediabetes. Blood glucose levels may be higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed. At this point, there are simple steps you can take to change things, such as adapting your food choices and increasing your physical activity to lose weight, if needed.
• Type 1 Diabetes - Usually begins during childhood and adolescence, most often around puberty. Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body attacks itself by mistake. It is the most severe form of diabetes however only 5-10% of people with diabetes have Type 1.
• Type 2 Diabetes - Usually begins gradually in adulthood. In most cases the main problem is insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes can often be managed by diet, exercise, lifestyle change and oral medications. 
• Gestational Diabetes – Developed during pregnancy, Gestational diabetes increases the risk complications for the mother and child. Blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery, but the mother has a high possibility for developing Type 2 diabetes later in her life.
  

Remember: Diabetes Can Be Managed

With planning and preparation, you can get back to normal life and daily activities. Pampering Plus Inc. provides high-quality, in-home caregivers for you or your loved ones who are experienced with diabetes management in the home setting. We can help make physical activity and exercise part of every day. We can create a balanced eating plan that everyone can live with and thrive on. We can assist with blood sugar checks and provide medication reminders. 

Home Health Care Aides Can Help Diabetics Take Action & Stick With It

Hearing that you or a loved one has diabetes can be a surprise. But wherever you’re at with diabetes, know that there are options and that you don’t have to be held back. If you or a family member is at risk, make living healthy second nature to build a healthier future. If you are considering in-home care, talk to the friendly dependable staff at Pampering Plus. We can answer your questions and help you understand more about the home health care services we offer.  Click to contact us online or call 215-881-8902 today!