Staying healthy can be a challenge for everyone, especially as we age, but for those managing diabetes, keeping aware of changes in your health is critical. According to the CDC, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death and can lead to permanent disability and serious health issues.

As a registered nurse and the leader of Partners in Care, a licensed home care agency serving the nations largest city, I know that our skilled nurses and licensed home health aides are trained to meet the specialized care needs of our clients diagnosed with diabetes. But even when a patient is doing everything rightmanaging blood sugar levels, exercising, eating healthya host of complications can surface, such as heart problems, nerve damage or blindness. It is important to stay in the know on these common diabetes-related complications and know what to watch out for.

Here are five common complications from diabetes:

Heart DiseaseAccording to the ADA, approximately two out of three people living with diabetes die of heart disease. Diabetes affects cholesterol levels and raises the bad cholesterol while lowering the good cholesterol. When this coadition happens, arteries are narrowed by a buildup of fatty materials, and the chances of having a heart attack or stroke double. If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, pain or discomfort in the arms, back, jaw or neck, or have nausea with exertion, call your doctor or 911.

NeuropathyIt is likely that almost half of people with diabetes have nerve damage, according to the ADA. This condition causes loss of sensation, and it makes it easier to injure yourself without noticing. Additionally, poor circulation and neuropathy leads to a compromised immune systemyour body cant fight off infection or heal from wounds quickly. Although not everyone will suffer from neuropathy, be sure to control your blood glucose levels and report symptoms to your doctor.

Foot ProblemsPoor circulation and nerve damage can lead to infections of the footsometimes serious ones that spread to the bone, leading to amputation. When you notice a cut or other injury on your foot, keep it clean and notify your doctor immediately. You can also avoid infections by keeping toenails short, wearing comfortable shoes and scheduling regular checkups with a podiatrist.

RetinopathyEye trouble is common among people living with diabetes. Some symptoms to watch out for include black smudges on the eye, blurred vision, sudden loss of vision in one eye, seeing rings around lights, dark spots and flashing lights. Again, by managing blood glucose levels you can avoid damage to your eyes, and you should also consider annual eye exams by a retina specialist.

Kidney FailureAccording to the National Institutes of Health, diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure. Although it takes approximately 15 years to develop, it is a slow-growing problem that those living with diabetes should monitor. Pay attention to fatigue, an increase in urination frequency, lack of concentration, sleep trouble, muscle cramping at night, lack of appetite, eye puffiness and swollen feet/ankles. You can also get routine tests to monitor kidney function.

Today, 26 million Americans are living with the disease, but by 2050, as many as one in three adults could be living with the diseasekeep yourself protected and informed. For more information on diabetes care, please visit http://www.partnersincareny.org or call 1-888-735-8913.

Jennifer Rajewski, RN, is a senior vice president at Partners in Care, an affiliate of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York.

See original here:
Diabetes alert: Will you pass the test? - Amsterdam News

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) -- Diabetes causes more deaths every year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.

And health officials want you to see if you're at risk for the disease. Tuesday, March 28, was American Diabetes Association Alert Day.

Having diabetes nearly doubles your chance of having a heart attack. Some risk factors for the disease include a family history of diabetes, being over the age of 45, being overweight, a poor diet and not being physically active.

But, health officials say having good diabetes control can reduce your risk for diabetes complications.

"Maintaining a good nutritious diet, maintaining an active lifestyle are key. We can prevent diabetes by doing that," said Dr. Frank Schwartz, a physician in Parkersburg, West Virginia. "And it's going to take a paradigm shift in our country in terms of the food we eat. You know, my grandmother used to say you are what you eat, and it's important to eat fresh vegetables and fresh fruits and avoid packaged foods."

According to the American Diabetes Association, 9 out of 10 Americans most at risk for type 2 diabetes don't even know it.

It takes just one minute to know if you're at risk, by taking the American Diabetes Association's Type 2 Diabetes Test, at the link under the "Related Links" section of this article.

Follow this link:
Doctors encourage everyone to get diabetes testing - KALB News (press release)

(CNN) Weight loss can be very difficult, especially if you have a lot of pounds to lose. However, the payoff is worth it and the young man youre about to meet is proof.

This is Justin Green and in 2016 he was diagnosed with type two diabetes. At the time, he weighed nearly 400 pounds. Ive lost 120 pounds so far. He recommended being more active and changing my diet.

Justins lifestyle changes didnt come easily. I probably eat less than a quarter of what I used to. Nothing fried, raw vegetables.

Dr. Omotayo Akinmade, a Primary Care Physician at Piedmont Henry Hospital said, We always encourage diabetics to reduce your calories and reduce your carb intake but also only eat when they have to when theyre hungry. Its overeating that leads to an uncontrolled blood sugar.

Justin says his weight loss has improved his overall health and he no longer has to take medication or check his blood sugar. The diagnosis was technically reversed but I consider myself a non-practicing diabetic.

Dr. Akinmade said, Its not uncommon for patients who are very well motivated who have lost significant weight and have change their lifestyle to have a reversal in their blood sugar.

Justins advice for anyone trying to manage their diabetes is to never give up. Feel better in the process and maybe you can bring somebody else along with you.

Like Loading...

More:
One man's journey from diabetes to a lifestyle change - wwlp.com

By Al Pikeapike@fosters.com

DURHAM Nick Ritzo had to grow up fast. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 18 months, he didnt have a choice.

Despite the early responsibility of learning how to take care of his body, the Rye resident and Portsmouth High School graduate developed into an elite athlete along the way.

He won a state title in the shot put less than two years after taking it up and is currently one of the top throwers on the University of New Hampshire mens track and field team, which is getting ready for its outdoor season.

At this point Im pretty mature about it, Ritzo said of living with diabetes. I know how to do everything for myself but I definitely went through a phase where it was very difficult growing up when I didnt know how to do everything and I was very reliant on my parents and grandparents to really look after me.

Then again if someone develops it now its definitely a huge lifestyle change, he continued. Its never easy, but its also one of those illnesses thats not the end of the world. You can adapt. I think in the end its probably made me better for it. Im more mature and Im definitely healthier.

There were times, however, when he felt isolated. Although he had a strong support system at home, he had to become self-disciplined.

It was difficult, said the affable Ritzo. I remember as a kid having a little bit of a sweet tooth. It was always difficult controlling that, and going to friends houses and having to be very careful and being responsible for yourself for a few hours was always difficult. Theres times when you think about it and it seems like the most difficult thing in the world because its just happening to you.

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease that attacks the pancreas and its ability to produce insulin. It is not yet curable or preventable. Among the early symptoms are fatigue, excessive thirst and frequent urination.

There was never a time when I didnt have it, Ritzo said. Ive always been a pretty inquisitive guy. Its just another way to live your life. Its not really the end of the world. It can be difficult, but its manageable.

Ritzo, who wears an insulin pump and has to constantly monitor his blood sugar level and diet, is also an outstanding student. The junior carries a 3.94 grade-point average in genetics and might apply to medical school after he gets his undergraduate degree.

I knew that I wanted to do something science related, Ritzo said. I thought (genetics) was interesting stuff. I liked how it was new to the field of science where many discoveries were still occurring in the field. Its something that I really enjoy. Its definitely time-consuming and its difficult, but its something that really interests me so I dont mind putting in the time towards it. Its the same with track.

Hes also interested in endocrinology and has considered a career in pediatrics. Ritzo started taking courses in genetics when he was a sophomore at UNH.

Im a Type 1 diabetic so Ive always wanted to get into the field of endocrinology, Ritzo said. Its a big role and also just my interest in science and the fact that Ive been given a lot of opportunities that other people havent been given to go towards this field. Ive always felt like I shouldnt waste those opportunities to go help other people.

Balancing academics with athletics has been challenging but rewarding.

I wasnt too set on doing track here when I first came in, Ritzo said. Im a genetics major and thinking about pre-med. When I first came into school I was really focused on that. I wasnt positive I wanted to do track coming in. Its been a really good decision to do it. With having difficult classes it does give you that structure. Its really helpful especially for me because I get to go outside and throw heavy things around. Thats the oldest stress reliever there is.

Speaking of throwing heavy objects around, Ritzo is coming off a strong indoor season in which he finished fourth in the shot at the America East championship meet and eighth in the 35-pound weight, setting personal records in both events while scoring points for the team.

Hes a tremendous teammate for the other kids, said coach Jim Boulanger. Everybody likes him.

A shot-putter by trade, the 6-foot-5 Ritzo will also compete in the discus and javelin during the outdoor season. His height and arm length coupled with improved technique and athleticism enables him to get more distance on his throws.

A basketball player most of his life, Ritzo was recruited coach Mike Lyford to join the track and field team at Portsmouth High. Ritzo competed for the Clippers outdoors his junior year, and indoors and outdoors as a senior.

(Lyford) was really on my back about it because he thought I could be really good at it, Ritzo said. I guess he was right.

See the rest here:
College track: UNH's Ritzo manages academics, sports and diabetes - Seacoastonline.com

Please enable Javascript to watch this video

Physical activity, in whatever form you enjoy, is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle and can have long-term benefits, especially for individuals with either type of diabetes. Regular exercise can not only set you on the path to improve your blood pressure and cholesterol, but it has also been proven to help lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. Exercise can also help you sleep better, improve your mood and reduce stress.

Aerobic exercises, such as walking, swimming, biking and jogging, have been proven to improve glucose control, cardiovascular risk factors and help lower blood sugar levels. It is recommended that individuals participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise, or 90 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. Find an activity that you enjoy and do it! Practicing a form of exercise you like will help you stay motivated and will improve your mood better than an exercise you dislike.

Resistance, or strength training, is also a great way to help improve insulin sensitivity and boost your metabolism. Strength training is also a good option for individuals with other health concerns that make it unsafe to participate in aerobic exercises. It helps increase lean muscle mass, which burns more calories while the body is at rest, and improves bone mineral density that helps fight osteoporosis. It is recommended that an individual practices resistance training two to three times a week, incorporating eight to ten exercises of ten to fifteen repetitions each.

Before beginning any exercise routine, it is always important to consult with a healthcare professional to approach fitness in the safest, most beneficial way. The team of registered dieticians and diabetes educators at the Cone Health Nutrition and Diabetes Management Center is dedicated to educating diabetic patients throughout the community on how to manage their disease through proper nutrition and exercise.

Spokesperson Background:

Laura Watson is a registered dietitian specializing in pediatric nutrition at the Cone Health Nutrition and Diabetes Management Center. Laura received a Bachelor of Science in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2007 and earned a Master of Science in nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2009.

Read this article:
Diabetes: The Importance of Exercise - myfox8.com

By Kendra Penningroth | Cronkite News Wednesday, March 29, 2017

WASHINGTON Alton Villegas offered an unusual call to action Wednesday for an 11-year-old boy: Destroy the ice cream man.

Alton is a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community where nearly 10 percent of tribal members have Type 2 diabetes, including members of his family.

My mom and my grandma have diabetes, a lot of people in Salt River have diabetes, sadly, said Alton, who has been diagnosed as pre-diabetic. I think a lot of people have diabetes because they dont eat healthy and they dont exercise.

Thats what brought Alton to Washington Wednesday, where he was the youngest of six witnesses urging the Senate Indian Affairs Committee to reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program for Indians.

The program grants $150 million a year to about 300 programs that push diabetes prevention to tribes in 35 states, said Rear Adm. Chris Buchanan, acting director of the Indian Health Service. The program will end after September if it is not reauthorized.

Since the program began in 1997, tribal obesity rates have remained stubbornly high, said Sen. John Hoeven, R-North Dakota. He said Native Americans still have a greater chance of being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes than any other group in America, and that diabetes is their fifth-leading cause of death.

But Hoeven, the committee chairman, also acknowledged at the hearing that the grants have helped lower diabetes and its complications, such as limb amputations, heart disease and kidney failure. But theres still more work to be done.

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, like other grantees, uses its grant to educate families on the benefits of exercise and balanced diets, offering free family-oriented exercise classes and programs that promote healthy lifestyles.

After a 6-year-old on the reservation was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes about three years ago, the tribal council began more screening at schools and found 52 percent of students were above the 95th percentile for weight.

When a screening showed that Alton was at risk for Type 2 diabetes, his family learned that he qualified for the Youth Wellness Camp in Prescott. Grant money from the federal program lets the tribe send at-risk youth to the camp.

I wanted to be healthier, so I went to camp, Alton said. I wanted to be able to help my mom and my grandma be healthier.

The healthy eating and daily exercise at camp helped Alton lose almost 16 pounds. His mother, Felicia Jimerson, said that Altons new outlook on eating healthy and exercising is rubbing off on her three other kids.

Alton said that he tries to help his family and friends make healthier decisions, but they do not always listen.

I tell them all the time but not a lot of people care, cause that means they have to give up Hot Cheetos, said Alton, who has seen his friends buy at least four bags of the snack a day from the ice cream man.

We must destroy the ice cream man! Alton told the committee, to laughter.

Rachel Seepie, another member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community who testified Wednesday, credits some of her success against her Type 2 diabetes to educational programs funded by the grant program.

After initially managing her condition with medication, she decided to turn instead to exercise and eating well. That has helped her lose weight, lower her blood sugar, decrease her average heart rate and complete two Iron Man triathlons, Seepie said.

Now, she is a senior fitness specialist with the Diabetes Service Program and teaches group exercise classes on the reservation.

My vision is that the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and our members will learn how to become healthier, and they will have long full lives without Type 2 diabetes, Seepie told the committee.

Jimerson said after the hearing that can only happen if the gran program is reauthorized.

I think if they can continue that funding, its definitely going to make a change, she said. If that funding goes away, were in huge trouble.

See the article here:
Arizona youth joins tribal officials to push for diabetes program funds - Cronkite News

COLUMBUS, Ga Columbus is one of eight sites in the world participating in a groundbreaking study in the war against Type 1 Diabetes.

If you look at it from the perspective our community, I dont believe theres ever been a study of this magnitude at this stage of development that is this profound awarded to Columbus, Georgia, says Dr. Steven Leichter, Senior Physician at Endocrine Consultants.

The study focuses on restorative therapy to keep insulin levels maintained or restored using a certain drug that would trick the body into a permanent honeymoon period. During the honeymoon period, the amount of insulin needed to treat diabetes sufferers is low.

If the results of the study prove successful, it could lead to a revolution in the treatment for Type 1 Diabetes.

If we get kids early enough in Type I Diabetes, while they still have some beta cells left, and we give them this drug. It will block the anti-bodies from killing the remaining beta cells, and theyll remain in honeymoon ongoing which will make them very easy to treat, says Dr. Leichter.

Columbus was selected in large part due to the research and growth of Endocrine Consultants. Over the past 21 years, the practice has grown to be one of largest endocrine diabetes centers in Georgia, and the largest in western Georgia.

However, Endocrine Consultants is quick to credit the collaborative nature of the medical community in Columbus for making groundbreaking research such as this possible in our area.

This initial study should take about two years. Two of the participants are local patients.

Read more from the original source:
Columbus among 8 world sites chosen for groundbreaking pediatric diabetes research - WRBL