Healthy Living Tips from
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | October 2022
HEALTH TIP : KEEPING TABS ON DIABETES
November is Diabetes Awareness Month , and Navinder Jassil , MD , Endocrinologist and Director of Deborah Heart and Lung Center ’ s Endocrinology & Diabetes Services has some important advice to share .
“ There are recommendations for diabetes screenings ,” she said . “ Just as people get their routine mammograms and colonoscopies , so too should they be thinking of checking for diabetes . Overweight or obese people ages 35-70 years old should be screened for pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes . We used to screen starting at 40 , but we now know that early diagnosis is key for optimal health . Diabetes has become a severe problem in our country , and catching it early can make a huge difference .”
Pre-diabetes is a serious health condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal , but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes . According to the CDC , more than 1 in 3 U . S . adults have pre-diabetes — that ’ s 88 million people — but the majority of people don ’ t even know they have it .
Left untreated diabetes can have severe complications , including : � Cardiovascular disease � Nerve damage � Kidney disease � Eye damage � Skin conditions and slow-healing wounds � High blood pressure � Stroke � AND , diabetes is a known risk factor for serious complications from COVID-19
Early Warning Signs
Dr . Jassil noted that many people are not even aware they are pre-diabetic , or have diabetes , until they are experiencing serious health problems . “ There are a number of warning signs that should raise a red flag .” These include :
� Thirst � Increased urination � Craving sweets � Not feeling at peak — weakness , brain fog
Small Changes , Big Rewards
The good news , added Dr . Jassil , is that by making small healthy lifestyle changes , it is possible to prevent Type 2 diabetes and even reverse your pre-diabetes .
“ Making healthier lifestyle choices – eating better and increasing physical activity – can make a big difference . Keeping tabs on how many carbs you are eating , adding more veggies and protein into your diet , and losing weight are the very best pre-diabetic tactics to follow . If however , you do become diabetic , you should work closely with your doctor to monitor your blood sugar , keep track of your numbers and goals , including your A1C , and if you are prescribed medicine , make sure you take it !”
“ If you are overweight or obese , or have any other early warning signs , you should have a diabetes screening . It is a simple blood test that can really make a difference in preventing diabetes in the future .”
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