Emily Shafer, PharmD has been a pharmacist for 9 years, most of which were in the community setting. She’s worked with many patients to help them manage their diabetes through the City of Chicago “Taking Control of Your Health” program and Medication Therapy Management services.
Facts on Diabetes:
Diabetes is a common condition. 9.3% of Americans have diabetes.
2% of African-Americans 20 years and older are diagnosed diabetes.
The problems that diabetes may cause if left uncontrolled are great and can include heart attacks, stroke, loss of sensation in the feet, amputations, kidney damage and blindness.
African-Americans are significantly more likely to experience blindness, kidney disease and amputations.
The complications of diabetes are not inevitable. You can prevent these complications.
First step:
Understand what diabetes is and how to control it and other conditions you may have, like high blood pressure.
Secondly:
Learning about how your diet and physical activity affects your diabetes is important.
Diet:
Some think they have to completely avoid sugary foods, when the reality is simply reducing the amount of sugary foods and eating more fruits and vegetables can help. Understanding portion sizes and what is in your food, like the amount of salt, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins will help you choose amounts and foods that are best for you.
A good way to identify portion sizes and content is to read food labels and understand how much of each ingredient per serving you can have.
For example, a general guideline for people with diabetes (although check with your diabetes care team first) is to eat 45 to 60 grams of carbohydrate at each meal. Carbohydrate content is important for those with diabetes because it increases your blood glucose levels.
Physical Activity
Others think they have to work out in a gym or run, but walking 30 minutes most days of the week can lower blood sugar levels as well. It is important to note, that you do not need to fit in all of your activity in at once during the day. For example, you can walk 5 to 10 minutes at a time a few times a day to add up to 30 minutes in a day.
Lastly:
Taking medications as directed and testing blood sugar are important for getting and keeping diabetes controlled.
Medications are not going to be as effective if they are not taken as recommended. If you have questions or concerns about your medications, talk with your Walgreens Pharmacist. The pharmacist can work with you and your doctor to ensure you have the most ideal medications for your conditions and situation.
When it comes to testing your blood sugar, ask your doctor how often you should test and when. Every person is different regarding their need for testing. The goal of testing blood sugar is to get information about how your body is responding to medications and any lifestyle changes you make. Your blood sugar numbers should never be viewed as “bad”, rather they are information you and your doctor can use to fine tune your treatment regimen.
It is recommended that if you want to make changes that you talk with your doctor and start with small goals. People cannot sustain change when they make too many changes at once. The goal is to make progressive, sustainable changes over time to improve your overall health and diabetes.
Remember, we are here to help you be Happy and Healthy. Use your Walgreens Pharmacist as a resource.
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