Diabetes and lifestyle – how do they impact your health? Diabetes can be a scary health diagnosis. However, it doesn’t need to be devastating news.
As we grow older, there are things that no longer need to worry us. We don’t suddenly have all the answers, but we understand that certain things are likely to happen as we age. Especially if we have genetic predisposition or unhealthy habits. Diabetes is one of those catalysts for a lifestyle change.
Does it mean that diabetes is a life sentence?
With the knowledge we have of diseases, especially diabetes, the answer is a strong NO.
With our advanced knowledge of medicine, diabetes is not a life sentence of worry.
Diabetes may have no cure, but you can lessen its severity and risk danger with a lifestyle change. Indeed, a lifestyle change can turn your diabetes prognosis into a positive improvement for your health.
Talk to your Primary Care Physician about your concerns.
Expectedly, the discussion on diabetes can be a lengthy talk.
It is necessary to find a good primary care physician if you have not done so already. This person will be the source for all of your questions and advice toward a healthier lifestyle in response to your diabetes.
What is diabetes?
As humans, we need food for the energy we use. The food we eat breaks down into glucose and is released into our bloodstream as fuel. An increase in our blood sugar triggers the release of insulin by the pancreas.
Thus, insulin serves as the key that opens the body’s cells to take more glucose for energy. If the body cannot produce enough insulin to control the blood sugar levels, the result is diabetes. Excess blood sugar, over time, can result in poor health consequences.
According to World Health Organization, over 400 million people are living with diabetes!
When can I be said to be diabetic?
You are normal if your fasting blood sugar level is less than 140mg/dL (7.8 mmol/l). However, if two hours after oral glucose intake, your blood sugar level exceeds 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L, you have diabetes.
What are the different types of diabetes?
Diabetes is of three types: type 1, type 2, and gestational.
Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age and common among children and adolescents. Type 2 diabetes affects mostly adults, though a few younger people may have it. A common cause of type 2 diabetes is a combination of factors, including lifestyle. Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women. However, if not adequately treated could lead to type 2 diabetes for mother and child after birth.
Difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Of the three types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2 are more chronic and significantly impact the patient’s blood sugar regulation.
The difference is that people suffering from type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin. But in type 2, there is an insulin response problem.
Therefore, the difference is a lack of insulin in type 1 and an insulin response problem in type 2. You can call it a lack of key in type 1 and a broken key in type 2.
Both instances of diabetes can cause severe high blood sugar spike with attendant health issues.
People at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
While type 1 diabetes affects children and adolescents, type 2 diabetes is prevalent among adults. Family, genes, lifestyle, and age are risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The good news is that a lifestyle change can turn back the hand of time. If you consult with your family doctor early on and follow their advice, your overall health will benefit greatly.
When to see a doctor
Health education can help you avoid costly health mistakes. However, when you notice any of the following symptoms, see your doctor.
Signs of diabetes include feeling thirsty, frequent urination, feeling tired, and weight loss. Also, if you notice a wound that takes time to heal, or you have blurry vision, check with your doctor immediately.
How long can you live with diabetes without treatment?
Your lifespan is largely influenced by your health lifestyle. If you practice healthy diet and exercise habits, you can make an impact on reducing the effects of diabetes.
However, it is always best to consult with your Primary Care Physician and follow their advice. Untreated diabetes can result in several health issues, including dangerous ones.
What is the life expectancy of someone with diabetes type 2?
While no one can truly predict when an individual will die, type 2 diabetes can decrease a person’s lifespan.
Research indicates that a male patient at 55 years of age has an average life expectancy of just under 25 years with proper management.
Can lifestyle change make a difference with diabetes?
Yes! As said earlier, diabetes has no cure. However, with a proper lifestyle change, it is possible to achieve a point of remission.
Diabetes needs care. And with proper care, you can move through different improvement stages until you achieve prolonged remission. Once you have built the right health culture, you can permanently put your diabetes in an inactive state.
Get an excellent primary care doctor as a solution to diabetes
With modern health care technology, you can live a long life while living with diabetes.
As in every life situation, your life tomorrow is the decision you make today. Therefore, one of the best healthcare decisions you’ll ever make, is to find a good and responsive primary care doctor.
If you live in the Coachella Valley area, schedule a free consultation today.
Find more information about the Coachella Valley PCP to make an informed decision!
Coachella Valley Direct Primary Care Physicians, located in Rancho Mirage California, and serving the entire Coachella Valley, for all their primary healthcare needs. Offering in office, and virtual appointments. The membership program allows you to have full access, without long waiting, high unexpected healthcare costs, and doctors who work with you to help you live the best optimum life possible.
For one low monthly fee, you avoid waiting, office visit fees, and a referral network to all specialists necessary to meet your needs.
Our website – https://coachellavalleydpc.com/
Call us direct 760-642-5549
Serving Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella.
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