Diabetes Awareness Month: Know Your Numbers, Protect Your Health

Diabetes Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness and provide education about blood sugar, healthy eating, important screenings, and available resources. Whether you have prediabetes, type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, Riverside’s Diabetes Wellness Center can help you along your health journey.

Start with your A1C

An A1C test provides a picture of your average blood glucose over the past two to three months. It can help diagnose prediabetes or diabetes and monitor treatment effectiveness. The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C goal of 7% or less for most people with diabetes, but this target may be different based on health history, age, and risk of low blood glucose. Ask your provider how often you should be tested and what goal is right for you. Visit the American Diabetes Association to learn more about A1C and testing.

Build balanced eating habits

Healthy eating should reflect your nutritional needs, culture, preferences, and routine. Aim for variety and balance among non-starchy vegetables, lean protein, and quality carbohydrates. Planning meals, preparing ingredients ahead, choosing whole fruit or unsalted nuts for snacks, and drinking water instead of sugary beverages can make healthier choices easier. A registered dietitian can help turn these principles into a realistic plan. Click here to learn more and get tips on healthy eating habits.

Protect your kidneys

Diabetes is a common risk factor for chronic kidney disease, which can develop without obvious symptoms. Two tests provide important information: an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) blood test shows how well your kidneys filter waste, while a urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) checks for protein leaking into the urine. Ask your healthcare provider which kidney tests you need and how often they should be repeated. Visit the National Kidney Foundation to learn more about different kidney tests and what they detect.

Make eye exams routine

Diabetes-related eye disease may begin before you notice vision changes. A yearly dilated, comprehensive eye exam or retinal photography can detect problems early, when treatment may be more effective at preventing or delaying vision loss. Your exam may include visual acuity testing, eye-pressure measurement, and retinal imaging. Keep appointments even when your vision seems normal. Click here to learn more about eye health, testing, and what to expect.

Know the signs of low blood glucose

Low blood glucose can develop quickly. Warning signs may include shakiness, sweating, confusion, dizziness, hunger, weakness, blurred vision, or a fast heartbeat. Check your glucose when possible; if you cannot check, treat suspected hypoglycemia and test as soon as you can. Fainting, seizures, or being unable to treat yourself signal an emergency. Ask your care team for a personalized plan, including when and how to use glucagon. Visit the American Diabetes Association to learn more about signs and symptoms of low blood sugar, and how to respond.

Find support close to home

You’re not in this alone. Recognized by the American Diabetes Association, Riverside’s Diabetes Wellness Center brings together board-certified endocrinologists, nurses, dietitians, diabetes care and education specialists, and insulin pump trainers. The team can assess your needs, develop a customized plan, and connect you with education, nutrition counseling, classes, and support groups. Ask your primary care provider about a referral and see how the Diabetes Wellness Center can help you along your diabetes journey.

This Diabetes Awareness Month, choose one next step: schedule an A1C check, ask about kidney testing, arrange an eye exam, or review your low-glucose plan. Connect with the Riverside Diabetes Wellness Center at (815) 936-6515 or by visiting myrhc.net/diabetes.