Type 2 Diabetes. Results from the body not being. able to use insulin properly. Pre-Diabetes. Occurs when blood sugar levels are. higher than normal but not high …
DIABETES AND YOU
URBAN HEALTH PLAN INC Development Department 1515 Southern Blvd Bronx, New York 10460
1/11/06
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes occurs when your body makes too little insulin or your insulin doesnt work, allowing sugar levels to build up in your blood stream There are many factors that cause diabetes
WHAT IS INSULIN?
Insulin is a chemical made in your tummy by an organ called the pancreas pronounced: pan-cree-ass Insulin tells cells like your muscles and fat tissues to suck up glucose sugar from the blood This is important because high levels of sugar become poisonous When the pancreas senses high blood sugar, it squirts out insulin to lower it and protect your body
DIABETES SYMPTOMS
Diabetes often goes undiagnosed Symptoms of diabetes are:
Frequent urination Excessive thirst Extreme hunger Unusual weight loss Increased fatigue Irritability Blurry vision
These symptoms can also be a number of other diseases Please consult your physician for proper testing and diagnosis
TYPES OF DIABETES
Type 1 Diabetes Results from the body not being able to produce insulin Type 2 Diabetes Results from the body not being able to use insulin properly Gestational Diabetes Occurs in
pregnant women who have high blood sugar glucose levels during pregnancy Pre-Diabetes Occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2
SHOULD PEOPLE WITH DIABETES EAT SPECIAL FOOD?
A healthy meal plan for people with Diabetes is the same as for everyone else Choose foods that are low in fat, low in salt and low in sugar
CAN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES EAT SWEETS?
If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes in moderation
YOUR BODYS WELL BEING
Make it a priority to take good care of your body
The time you spend now on eye care, foot care and skin care, as well as your heart and oral health, could delay or prevent the onset of dangerous diabetes complications later in life
DIABETES, HEART AND STROKE
People with diabetes have more reasons to be mindful of heart and blood vessel disease People with Diabetes carry an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and complications related to poor circulation
DIABETES AND SKINCARE
As many as one-third of people with 
diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some time in their lives In
fact, such problems are sometimes the first signs that a person has diabetes Luckily, most skin conditions can be prevented or easily treated if caught early
DIABETES AND FOOT CARE
People with diabetes can develop many different foot problems Foot problems most often happen when there is nerve damage in the feet or when blood flow is poor Learn how to protect your feet by following Gently rub some basic guidelines: Calluses with a
Pumice stone Check your feet Everyday Protect your feet from the hot and cold weather
Wear socks and shoes at all times
Trim your toenails straight across and smooth with a nail file Ask your doctor to check the sense of feeling in your feet
Put lotion on the tops and bottoms of your feet
DIABETES AND EYE CARE
Diabetes can cause eye problems and may lead to blindness People with diabetes have a higher risk of blindness than people without diabetes Early detection and treatment of eye problems can save your sight
WHO IS AT RISK FOR DIABETES?
People with family history of Diabetes People who are obese People who are over 45 years old People who have a combination of high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
REDUCE THE RISK OF GETTING DIABETES
Keep
your weight in control or lose weight if you are overweight Stay active most days of the week Eat low fat meals high in fruits, vegetables as well as whole grain foods
Grains
Vegetable
Fruits
Oil
Milk
Meat Beans
THE BASICS OF EATING HEALTHY
People with Diabetes have the same nutritional needs as anyone else Use these tips: Make healthy food choices Read food labels Always ask your doctor about nutrition and exercise
TIPS FOR MANAGING DIABETES
Go for daily walks up to 30 minutes, 5 times a week Eat more fruits, vegetables, dried beans and whole grain Pick an activity that you enjoy that will keep you moving Read food labels Eat smaller portions Choose healthy snacks Cook ahead
CONTACT INFORMATION
Health Promotion and Outreach Worker Urban Health Plan Development Department 1515 Southern Blvd Bronx, NY 1060 718-589-1687 x2825 917-558-4340 Magalyvalentin@urbanhealthplanorg
Magaly Valentin
Source:urbanhealthplan.org
