Living with diabetes and tips to prevent it

“My mother once told me; never let diabetes define you. I listened to her and adapted that ideology to my life." Mentioned Ryan Martinez, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 18. Ryan, a mechanical engineer, let us know that, at first, it was difficult living with diabetes, but thanks to the support of his family, he has learned to overcome this situation. Many people have told me, 'It is terrible that you got sick, but I can honestly tell you, diabetes has been one of the best things that have happened to me because my habits have completely changed, besides that, I can enjoy my life like any other person."

Diabetes is a disease characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood because the pancreas does not produce the necessary amount of insulin, or if the body produces it, it is not able to use it. Continuous monitoring, healthy eating, and regular visits to the doctor are essential to keep blood sugar levels under control and avoid any setbacks.

Diabetes in the United States

In the United States, about 34.2 million Americans are living with diabetes, and about 88 million American adults (approximately 1 in 3), have prediabetes according to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020. There are two types of diabetes, type 1, which generally requires insulin for treatment and is more common in children and young people. It affects approximately 1.6 million people in the United States, representing 5.2% of diagnosed diabetes cases. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease most often suffered by older adults. However, in recent years, more of the younger population is facing diabetes due to the alarming increase in childhood obesity. Its main characteristic is high glucous levels in the blood, making it one of the main cardiovascular risk factors.

How to improve your relationship with diabetes

Here are some tips about how to make living with diabetes easier:

• Eating healthy is important. Understand how much to eat and what combinations of foods can affect glucose levels is critical to managing diabetes.
• Get regular physical activity. Your muscles use glucose as an energy source and need to remain active.
• Monitor glucose levels frequently. This helps to identify when levels are high or low, allowing you to make adjustments in medication or lifestyle habits.
• Regular check-ups. Following your doctor's suggestions can reduce the chances of diabetes-related foot problems, which can lead to all kinds of injuries and even limb amputation.

You can avoid diabetes

According to the World Health Organization, the most important risk factors that must be controlled to avoid the onset of diabetes are:

• Regular physical activity. No need to join a gym or do extensive aerobic routines. You can do some physical activity by simply walking more each day and avoiding elevators or escalators. 
• Eat a balanced diet. A good start is to cut back on flour and eat more vegetables and fruits.
• Stop smoking. The more cigarettes you smoke, the higher your risk for type 2 diabetes. Avoiding tobacco is a way to prevent the disease. 
• Check blood pressure and cholesterol. Visit the doctor regularly for check-ups and laboratory tests to ensure you stay on top of your health.

The financial impact on your loved ones

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