The month of November is dedicated to national diabetes awareness, with the 14th of November being dedicated as World Diabetes Day. The intention is to raise awareness about a disease that afflicts 30.3 million people nationwide, nearly 10% of the United States population.

However, even with the staggering numbers and an entire month being dedicated to the awareness and prevention of such a disease, diabetes specialists and patients alike do not believe the populace gives it the attention it needs.

Tricia Dutra, a medical assistant at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Health Center who works with diabetes patients, said her office sees upwards of 30 diabetic patients daily between three doctors, highlighting the fact that a large amount of the local population struggles with diabetes.

Even with the local and national figures, Dutra said she has not seen any increased awareness due to Diabetes Awareness Month.

Everybody knows about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is extremely important, and Heart Disease Awareness Month, but nobody ever thinks about diabetes, Dutra said. What a monster disease it is; people just dont realize how bad it is.

Of course, diabetics themselves and their immediate family members are well aware of the severity of the disease. Diabetes prompts not only the patients, but their families, to make adjustments in their lives to compensate for their predicament.

Heidi Jackson, a patient at Charles Regional Health Center, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 40 and her daughter, Heather Oliver, has been her caretaker since.

Jackson said she was not aware of the severity of the disease upon diagnosis which in turn led to her needing additional care.

A lot of things happen to you when you dont take care of yourself. It affects all of your organs, Jackson said. Theres a lot of people out there that are walking around with diabetes and they dont know they have it. So the public needs to be more aware of this.

Oliver agrees that the public needs to be more educated on the adverse affects of diabetes, plus preventative actions that citizens can take.

Even with having an immediate family member affected by diabetes, Oliver said the message of the national diabetes month is unclear other than the obvious fact: take care of yourself.

I think it should get as much awareness as breast cancer does, Oliver said. People need to go have their A1C checked and have that part as their yearly physical. I also think they probably could use a bit more funding because insulin is really, really expensive and there are a lot of people out there who have a hard time affording it.

Lack of knowledge and insulin prices have contributed to 23.8% of diabetes cases going undiagnosed, along with it being the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

This is not to say diabetes is a death sentence, as plenty of diabetics lead functioning lives after diagnosis by making the proper adjustments in their daily routines.

Ray Bazil, another patient at Charles Regional, experienced a tremendous amount of impact on his daily life when he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2004, but said now things are a bit more regulated.

Bazil said he has completely restructured his diet, eating six small meals a day, in addition to staying away from sugary drinks and processed foods.

You have to monitor and be more careful about what you eat and how you eat, Bazil said. Be aware of it. Dont be fearful of it. Know that you can manage it, and know that you can take care of yourself.

Bazil mentioned that he was not aware of the message a national diabetes month presents, but credits the medical staff for helping him make the adjustments to live a functioning life with diabetes.

A reason people are not fully aware of the adverse affects of diabetes could be not having any direct or indirect contact with the disease. Through no fault of their own, people become ignorant of how important a structured diet and active lifestyle is to long term health.

Diabetes can manifest itself anywhere with anyone, it is a non-discriminatory disease that even experts on it are at risk of developing.

Such is the case with Natasha Adams, a medical assistant at Charles Regional. Adams has been working with diabetes patients for 17 years and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes this past February.

Adams used her diagnosis as a motivating factor to prompt changes not only in her life, but in the lives of her patients who may believe the disease is uncontrollable.

You have to be vested in you. Its not just based on the treatment, but you as the patient have to be willing to participate and do whats needed to make the changes, Adams said. I tell patients from my standpoint, look I get it, so I try to be a positive role model to the patients to let them know I am doing it, and you can do it as well.

Adams stated that the lack of awareness, sedentary lifestyles and prices of medication all contribute to the diabetes crisis, having an impact on both a local and national scale.

Many people cant afford medication, so now people are at the point where they debate, Do I buy my food, do I pay my bills, [or] do I get my medication? Adams said. The cost becomes extreme. The government contributing more would definitely help to bring down the numbers.

If you have it, embrace it. If you embrace it, then you try to control it, Adams said. You try to do more, you try to let other people know its not a death sentence, you can actually live with it, you can live a long life with it, too.

Dutra explained that exercise and a controlled diet can prevent the development of diabetes to begin with.

It doesnt have to be strict, you dont have to follow Atkins or Keto or anything like that, but just use basic common sense, Dutra said. Moderation is the key. Realize you have limitations.

Patients and medical staff alike agree that awareness of a preventable disease must be increased, along with the promotion of a structured, controlled diet and active lifestyle.

Twitter: @RyanVollandIndy

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Diabetes Awareness Month reminds of a growing problem - SoMdNews.com

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Weinberg sophomore Hugo Compton studies at Norris University Center. Compton has Type 1 Diabetes, which he said can significantly affect his academic performance.

Evan Robinson-Johnson/Daily Senior Staffer

Weinberg sophomore Hugo Compton studies at Norris University Center. Compton has Type 1 Diabetes, which he said can significantly affect his academic performance.

Evan Robinson-Johnson/Daily Senior Staffer

Evan Robinson-Johnson/Daily Senior Staffer

Weinberg sophomore Hugo Compton studies at Norris University Center. Compton has Type 1 Diabetes, which he said can significantly affect his academic performance.

Students with Type 1 Diabetes said they often lack the healthy meal options they need on campus, adding to the difficulties of dealing with a chronic illness.

Weinberg sophomore Melanie Wolter said her illness has an impact on every decision she makes in her life.

It affects what I eat, when I eat, if Im going to exercise, if (my blood pressure is) low and I cant get to class on time, if (my pressure is) high and I cant think straight enough to study, Wolter said.

Students with diabetes need to monitor their meals to make sure they dont have too much or too little sugar in their bodies. Oftentimes, this requires calculating the amount of carbohydrates or sugars in the food they eat and dosing insulin accordingly.

Wolter said this was difficult while she was on the Universitys meal plan because she wasnt able to find many low-carb foods in dining halls an essential component to maintaining her blood sugar levels.

Currently, Wolter lives and eats her meals in the Alpha Chi Omega sorority house. She said its much easier to eat healthily now because there are always low-carb options available to her.

However, Georgene Sardis, Compass Groups marketing director, said the University has dining hall options that cater to students with diabetes. Students can view nutrition information online or on the campus dining app, she added. If students have any further trouble, they can talk to the campus dietician Lisa Carlson.

Every day and every meal period we offer an abundant amount of healthy food options for anyone whether the student has diabetes or not to enjoy, Sardis said. We do have to offer the more indulgent items. We offer that choice as part of the inclusive dining experience for everyone to enjoy.

Despite this, Wolter said she mainly ate yogurt and granola while on the meal plan because other protein options, like chicken, werent cooked. Meat was often served with sauce that contained an unknown amount of sugar, she added, making it hard for her to calculate her insulin doses.

Weinberg sophomore Hugo Compton was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at three years old. Therefore, he said hes had a lot of time to learn how to count carbs and adjust his insulin dose, but understands how the lack of sufficient labels in the dining halls might be more difficult to navigate for a newer diabetic.

I dont think (the dining halls) really showed the carbs, or if they did (it) was just for one serving, Compton said. It was just a little off because (labels list) mostly calories and stuff, which isnt helpful for me.

Compton said he wants to start a club for diabetics at NU so students with diabetes would know they werent alone in their experiences and would have support while at the University.

If his blood sugar is not at the right level, Compton said he feels delirious or sleepy and has difficulty focusing. Both Wolter and Compton are registered with AccessibleNU because their blood sugar levels can affect their academic performance so much so that Compton said he cant function when his blood sugar is off.

However, Compton added that even though hes had diabetes for 17 years, there are still times when he cant control his sugar levels. Earlier in the quarter, he was hospitalized after he couldnt bring his blood sugar up. Wolter agreed that constantly fluctuating blood sugar was one of the most frustrating aspects of having diabetes.

Theres certain days where I just know Im doing everything right, Wolter said. And my blood sugars still high, and that makes me feel bad Ill have to deal with that challenge theoretically for the rest of my life.

Email: neyathanikachalam2022@u.northwestern.eduTwitter: @neyachalam

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Students with Type 1 Diabetes say dining halls don't have enough options - The Daily Northwestern

Posted: Nov 27, 2019 / 07:58 PM EST / Updated: Nov 27, 2019 / 07:58 PM EST

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) If you or a family member suffers from diabetes, you will want to hear these tips to stay on track during Thanksgiving dinner.

A local endocrinologist said it is important to monitor the intake of carbohydrates during the holiday. She suggests only eating one carb, like a potato or piece of pie, per meal. There can be many tempting options at the Thanksgiving meal, so it is important to stay on track and to help family members stay healthy.

Dr. Sarada Jaimungal is an endocrinologist at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital.

So, its just choosing your carbohydrates intake wisely, not going overboard with the amount and spreading it out throughout the day, said Jaimungal.

Dr. Sarada Jaimungal also said if the person with diabetes can prepare the dish, so they know what goes into it, that would be the best case scenario.

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How to navigate diabetes this Thanksgiving - WVNS-TV

By Amy Taylor

Sponsored by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

The team at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center recognized a big need for diabetes education and support in the community. They are serving our area with a variety of options.

Sandra Gallegos is manager of the Community Health and Outpatient Diabetes & Nutrition Management Program for Sentara. She said, According to the Virginia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 8.4 percent of Prince William County residents are living with diabetes. The program meets with both inpatients and outpatients, as well as conducting free A1C screenings.

The outpatient Diabetes & Nutrition Management Program at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is dedicated to improving the health of its patients through prevention, wellness and education. The program provides practical information and skills required to take charge of diabetes. Program services offered include group classes, support groups, gestational diabetes, pre-diabetes, insulin pump training, continuous glucose monitoring, and medical nutrition, said Gallegos.

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center will continue offering outpatient classes for patients with diabetes in the new year.

The Diabetes program offers three types of classes by diabetes disposition (diabetes, gestational diabetes, and diabetes prevention/pre-diabetes) and support groups at different times throughout the month and year to accommodate peoples busy lifestyles, said Gallegos.

The American Association of Diabetes Educators, or AADE, has recognized the program as a quality patient education program.

Improved diabetes control is a direct result of a quality diabetes education programs, Gallegos said.

Here are their 2020 course offerings.

These courses require a physicians referral. The cost is a co-pay and it may vary by insurance and the amount of education you acquire annually. This four-class series includes the following.

This two-hour class covers diabetes and pregnancy, how to monitor and use your meter, physical activity, individualized meal plan and individual follow-up if you need it. You will need a physicians referral to attend.

This two-hour class covers nutrition, exercise and glucose monitoring instruction. The class is offered for a small fee of $80 with a follow-up visit fee of $30. To register, go to sentara.com. You may submit your receipt for the program fee to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Diabetes self-management training is a benefit covered by Medicare and most health plans when provided by a diabetes educator within an accredited/recognized program. To find out what your insurance covers and potential out-of-pocket expenses for individual appointments or group classes, please call your insurance carrier to determine your individual benefits prior to your visit, Gallegos said.

You will need a referral for all diabetes classes and medical nutrition management services. You can get your provider to submit a referral through electronic medical records or fax the referral to 703-670-0345. Once the team at Sentara receives your referral, a member of their diabetes team will reach out to make an appointment for you.

The programs at Sentara have a proven record of accomplishment for improving patient outcomes by empowering them to manage their diabetes. Diabetes education programs coach patients to understand what is happening with their diabetes, how it affects their lives and personal goals. We work collaboratively with the patient to set personal goals to develop healthy behaviors. Personalized goals have led to quality outcomes and improvements measured by glycated hemoglobin (A1C), control, blood pressure (BP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and body mass index (BMI), said Gallegos.

For more information about the program visit sentara.com/diabetes or call 703-523-0590.

Amy Taylor ([emailprotected]) is a freelance writer and editor. She earned her BLS in English from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

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Education at Sentara Helps Patients Prevent and Manage Diabetes - Prince William Living

How much we benefit from exercise may be down to our gut microbiome

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Your gut microbes may determine how you respond to exercise. That is according to research showing how people with certain microbiomes have better metabolic outcomes after exercise. The discovery opens the door to diabetes treatments that target the microbes in our gut.

Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem internationally. While there is no cure, it can be prevented by early lifestyle interventions, says Aimin Xu at the University of Hong Kong.

Exercise is the most cost-effective strategy for diabetes prevention, he says. However, some people do not respond favourably to exercise.

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To understand why, Xu and his colleagues studied how exercise affected the microbiome and metabolism of 39 men with prediabetes, where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to qualify for a diagnosis of diabetes.

The participants, who had never taken medication for the condition, were randomly assigned either to a sedentary control group, or to a group that undertook a three-month, high-intensity, supervised exercise training course. They were told to maintain their usual diet.

While all participants in the exercise group had similar levels of weight and fat-mass reduction, only 70 per cent had significant improvements in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, Xu found.

An analysis of their gut microbes revealed that the people who saw improvements in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity had significantly different microbiomes that were able to generate more molecules called short-chain fatty acids and break down more branched-chain amino acids. the microbiomes of non-responders were more likely to produce compounds that are harmful to metabolism.

Next, the researchers asked the study participants to provide faecal samples, and transplanted the microbes they contained into obese mice. Rodents receiving microbes from people who responded well to exercise went on to develop better insulin resistance and glucose regulation. The rodents receiving microbes from people who hadnt responded to exercise didnt see any boost to these processes.

[Our study] identifies maladaptation of gut microbiota as a culprit for those individuals who do not respond to exercise intervention, says Xu. This is one of the first interventional randomised control trial studies providing clear evidence of the role of gut microbiota on metabolic health.

The findings raise the possibility that targeting gut microbiota can maximise the benefit of exercise and could help doctors personalise treatments.

The study only included men. Gut microbiomes can differ depending on sex, so the team plans to undertake similar research into women and older people in the future.

Journal reference: Cell Metabolism, DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2019.11.001

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Gut microbes may predict whether exercising will prevent diabetes - New Scientist News

Last year when 10-year-old Wyatt Johnson was thirstier than usual and drinking a lot of fluids, his mom Amanda thought it was due to him playing football in the hot August sun.

He had lost weight, but was growing taller and going to a lot of football practices, so she thought his weight loss was due to his recent extra activity.

When he woke up one night in late October 2018 throwing up, she and her husband Scott just thought he had a bad stomach virus.

There is a Type 1 diabetes awareness problem, Mrs. Johnson said. Even as a teacher of 17-18 years I didnt know it could present that way.

Type I diabetes (T1D) is the more severe of its sister Type II, and it is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.

Mr. Johnson stayed home with Wyatt that day they thought he had a stomach bug, but when Mrs. Johnson returned home that afternoon, she said she knew he needed medical care. His face was gaunt, his appearance so different than usual, his heart rate through the roof, and he could barely walk on his own.

They rushed to their pediatricians office Mrs. Johnson knew if she went to the emergency room to people who didnt know what Wyatt usually looked like, his symptoms might get passed off as the flu.

They knew something more was wrong.

Their pediatrician informed them that Wyatt was experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a condition that develops when the lack of insulin makes your body begin to use fat as fuel. This in turn produces a buildup of acids in the bloodstream called ketones.

They were told to call their family, and that a helicopter was on its way to meet them at Conway Medical Center to fly him to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Wyatts seven-year-old sister Emory, at home with her grandparents, said she helped quickly pack things for her mother.

Back at the hospital, Wyatts blood was tested at the lab before getting on the helicopter, since his blood sugar was too high for the pediatrician's equipment to register.

Between 70-130 is the average blood sugar for a non-diabetic all day long, Mrs. Johnson said. His blood sugar was 821.

For the next four days, Wyatt recuperated in pediatric intensive care, while his parents got a crash course in caring for a Type I diabetic.

A pediatric endocrinologist guided them through how to give insulin shots, and formulas needed to successfully regulate Wyatts blood sugar on a regular basis.

You have to calculate carbohydrates, it was like a math test, Mr. Johnson said.

Wyatt had heard about Type I, but had no idea what it would mean for his daily life.

I didnt understand. I knew itd be severe but I just didnt know what it was, Wyatt said.

The Johnsons say a lot of people mix up Type I and Type II diabetes, asking them when Wyatt will outgrow it, which is not the case for him.

People think you take a shot in the morning and a pill and your day goes on, Mrs. Johnson said.

This new way of doing life was quite an adjustment, they said.

The first few months, we carried around syringes, insulin, test strips, glucose tabs, Mrs. Johnson said.

Mr. Johnson said Wyatt was getting six or seven shots a day, and finger pricks to check sugar levels every two or three hours.

A few months in, they got a bit of relief when they obtained a continuous glucose meter made by Dexcom, which has a needle that is inserted onto a different part of his skin every ten days, to check his glucose levels automatically throughout the day. The numbers are sent to the Johnsons cell phones via a secure app.

It stops all the finger pricking, Mrs. Johnson said. Its definitely a luxury we are thankful for it.

The finger pricking was also what made getting back into football hard for Wyatt at first.

Wyatt was the long snapper. His job was to snap the ball, and the tips of his fingers were raw. He just hurt, she said.

He jumped right back into football though, Mrs Johnson said, because he just wanted to feel normal again.

Every quarter wed take his blood sugar, hed run by, stick his hand out to get checked. If it was low, hed drink a little Gatorade, Mr. Johnson said.

Wyatts sense of science helped him out in terms of showing an impressive amount of resiliency.

Hes such a tinkerer. His brain wraps around this pretty well, and he took to it pretty quick with his ability to offer self-care, his father said.

His mother said hes really been able to comprehend things well and is quick to see the big picture.

It also helps that they have a great community supporting them.

Wyatts school nurse at his middle school is able to monitor his numbers if need be, but Mrs. Johnson said the nurse hasnt had to intervene since he has proven himself capable to watch his numbers on his own.

This past summer, two youth workers at the Johnsons church offered to learn how to properly give an insulin shot and care for Wyatts needs, so he could attend a middle school camp with other kids.

It was cool they were willing and wanted to learn, Mr. Johnson said.

What was even better was a summer camp they found for kids with diabetes, called Camp Adam Fisher.

Mr. Johnson said all of the counselors there were either pediatricians, endocrinologists, or people with Type I Diabetes themselves.

They said to let him have a week of being a kid, and for us to enjoy our vacation away from numbers, Mr. Johnson said.

Another welcome distraction for Wyatt is his miniature beagle, Linus, who joined the family a few months after his diagnosis.

The Johnsons reiterated that they believe there is a true Type I Diabetes awareness problem.

No one really knows how severe it is, Mr. Johnson said.

He referenced the T-Slim X2 Insulin pump that helps regulate Wyatts levels, and said its a device that can be adjusted down to a hundredth of a measurement in either direction.

One miscalculation one way or another can kill someone, Mr. Johnson said. Its scary.

The Johnsons want to help other parents recognize the signs of Type I diabetes, and offer support to others in their situation.

The signs and symptoms of T1D include frequent urination, being unusually thirsty, fatigue, sudden onset weight loss, and sudden mood changes.

The mood changes they experienced with Wyatt were stark, and more than your usual pre-teen mood swings.

I didnt know him, his mother said.

It was hangry times ten, his father echoed. Insulin is a hormone its a withdrawal from hormones.

Since Type I Diabetes is often hereditary, the Johnsons had their daughter tested as well, and she was not found to have any of the markers at the moment.

Mrs. Johnson said she still sometimes feels bad for not seeing the Type 1 Diabetes signs that had been there for months.

I carry a lot of shame for my lack of knowledge then, Mrs. Johnson said. Until you have a front row seat, you truly and genuinely have no idea all that it entails. It is a very, very humbling experience.

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Local family hopes to spread awareness of Type I diabetes - Myhorrynews

Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition and a worldwide epidemic. Having the condition means a persons pancreas doesnt work properly or cant make enough insulin. Poor insulin production causes blood sugar levels to keep rising and left untreated, serious health complications may occur which includes a heart attack or stroke.

Diabetes UK said: From the moment youre diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, youre likely to be faced with what seems like an endless list of new tasks.

"One of your first questions is likely to be what can I eat? With so much to take in at once and all the myths about diabetes and food that youll probably hear, it can be hard to know what to do.

Recent research suggests that eating a certain treat might help reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar control.

READ MORE: Type 2 diabetes: Eating this winter spice could lower blood sugar

Due to its nutritional benefits, nutritionists often recommend that people with type 2 diabetes eat yoghurt as part of a healthy diet.

Yoghurt is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, potassium and protein.

Yoghurt also offer protection for bones and teeth and helps prevent digestive problems. However, not all yoghurts are created equal.

What are the best yoghurts to eat for type 2 diabetes and which ones should be avoided?

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Type 2 diabetes and yoghurt

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommend yoghurt as part of a healthy diet. Yoghurt is a good source of protein, calcium and vitamin D.

Research also suggests that the probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, in yoghurt may help to reduce inflammation.

Those with type 2 diabetes tend to have high levels of inflammation in the body.

Chronic inflammation can increase the risk of certain complications, such as heart disease and stroke. Probiotic yoghurts contain active, live cultures.

What the studies say

A study with the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, looked at probiotic yoghurt consumption and its effect on blood glucose.

Researchers tested each participants blood glucose levels at the start of the study and again at the end.

The study noted that those who consumed probiotic yoghurts daily saw a significant decrease in blood glucose levels.

In another study, the relationship between probiotics and glycemic control was analysed.

The review found that probiotics significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and fasting plasma insulin levels.

The amount and type of healthy bacteria found in yoghurts can differ significantly between the brands.

However, probiotic yoghurt usually contains substantially more beneficial bacteria than conventional yoghurt.

According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines, people with diabetes should choose yoghurt products that are unflavoured and fat free or lower in fat.

Greek yoghurt contains double the protein of conventional yoghurt. Other yoghurts to opt for include organic yoghurt, lactose free yoghurt or vegan yoghurt. Its best to avoid any yoghurts with added ingredients as many of them contain a significant amount of total carbs and added sugars.

Some whole milk yoghurts also contain particularly high levels of saturated and trans fatty acids.

Its always best to check the food label for any added sugars or carbs.

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Type 2 diabetes: Eating this tasty treat could help lower blood sugar - Express