The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 26, Number 5 | Page 17

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | January 2020
Ask the Physician
I have diabetes. I’d like some advice on anything I can do without using medicine, to help control it.
Mark A., Teaneck, NJ
Mark, this is a good question. As you probably know, type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease resulting in too much sugar
in the blood, or “high blood glucose.” People with type 2 diabetes make insulin – which helps your cells turn glucose
from the food you eat into energy -- but their cells don't use it as well as they should, which is called insulin
resistance. Without proper treatment, diabetes can lead to:
*Heart attack
*Stroke
*Blindness
*Kidney failure
*Loss of toes, feet, or legs
Here are a few ways you can help yourself:
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Try to exercise a little more – walking briskly 30 minutes every day can make a big difference! (Make sure it’s OK
with your doctor to exercise).
Try to control your carbs. A little meal planning can make this much easier.
Increase your fiber with more fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
Drink plenty of water! It’s better for you than soda, iced tea and juice.
Eat less. Portion control can really help your condition.
Reduce your stress and get lots of sleep.
Working with your physician you can come up with a plan that is just right for you, but simple, small steps that you
take on your own can really help control your diabetes. Make 2020 a New Year in your health!
Jenine Vecchio, MD
Medical Director, Deborah Specialty Physicians Diabetes Center
For an appointment or more information about Deborah Heart and Lung Center’s services:
855-646-3484 or request an appointment at www.DemandDeborah.org.
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