Posts for UPHP News
April is STI Awareness Month and it is a time to focus on health, education, and prevention. UPHP’s Kristin Williams shared information about this important topic with Mark & Walt in the Morning.
You can listen to their conversation here: https://bit.ly/41RZXff
Diabetes can sometimes lead to confusion or irrational behavior because the body can’t keep glucose levels steady. When blood sugar gets too high or too low, it can affect mood and thinking.
This may show up as:
• Acting impulsively
• Forgetting things
• Brain fog
• Misplacing items
• Trouble focusing
• Losing your train of thought
• Sudden agitation
• Speech that doesn’t make sense
These symptoms can affect daily life, including relationships and work. Staying on top of your diabetes care is the best way to prevent these issues. Regular blood sugar checks, healthy eating, physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress all help keep glucose levels stable, which supports clearer thinking.
Noticing early signs of confusion or unusual behavior can help you catch a blood sugar problem before it becomes serious. Consistent diabetes management reduces the impact on both your brain and your behavior.
Watch the full video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/p3XvR-acgOY
Additional Resources: https://www.diabetescurehub.com/archives/6984#:~:text=Hyperglycemia%20poses%20significant%20risks%20to%20cognitive%20function%2C%20leading,cerebral%20edema%2C%20neurotransmitter%20imbalance%2C%20inflammation%2C%20and%20oxidative%20stress. https://www.healthyplace.com/diabetes/mental-health/diabetes-and-irrational-behavior-mental-confusion
https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/278307/chicken-cutlets-with-creamy-spinach-roasted-red-pepper-sauce/?kw=myrecipes
Our 2025 Community Benefit Report captures a year of collaboration and progress—supporting care transitions, protecting coverage, and strengthening access to health care across the Upper Peninsula. Together, we’re building a healthier, more connected region.
Women who had diabetes during pregnancy (called gestational diabetes) are twice as likely to develop calcium buildup in the heart’s arteries by mid life. This calcium is a strong sign of future heart disease.
Gestational diabetes happens when blood sugar gets too high during pregnancy. It affects about 9% of pregnancies in the U.S. and up to 20% worldwide. After pregnancy, these women have a higher chance of developing prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, which also raise the risk for heart disease. So what should you do if you have or have had gestational diabetes? Stay up to date on preventive health visits and recommended screenings. As always, talk to your primary care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Watch the full video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/HFbamRC3IIc
Additional Resources:
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/diabetes-during-pregnancy-may-increase-risk-of-heart-disease/ https://newsroom.heart.org/news/six-pregnancy-complications-are-among-red-flags-for-heart-disease-later-in-life
Diabetes can affect many parts of your life, and some problems may feel hard to talk about. But most issues can be treated, and health care providers talk about these concerns every day.
Depression is also common and treatable. It causes lasting sadness or hopelessness and is more likely in people with diabetes. High or low blood sugar can make you tired, worried, or unable to sleep, and depression can make diabetes harder to manage.
Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels, which may affect sexual function. Some medicines can also cause changes. It’s normal to feel upset, and your provider may be able to help. Diabetes can also lead to bladder or bowel problems, including constipation, diarrhea, or infections. These issues are common, even if they feel embarrassing to discuss.
Even when these topics feel uncomfortable, it’s important to tell your primary care provider. There are often treatments or strategies that can help.
Watch the full video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/bsoYyzT0_Kg
Additional Resources: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/family-resources-library/diabetes-and-sensitive-topics https://www.eatingwell.com/sheet-pan-ham-spinach-quiche-11848898?kw=myrecipes
Diabetes ABCs are steps to help you control your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. They also lower your risk of serious health problems.
A – A1C This blood test shows your average blood sugar over 3 months. Typically, this is done once to 4 times per year. Your health care team can tell you your goal and how often to get tested.
B – Blood pressure High blood pressure can harm your heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain. A normal blood pressure is under 120/80. Ask your health care team what your blood pressure goal should be.
C – Cholesterol High cholesterol can clog blood vessels and raise your risk of heart attack or stroke. This blood test is usually done once a year. If it is elevated, diet changes or medication can help.
S – Stop smoking Smoking and diabetes can narrow your blood vessels making diabetes problems worse. Quitting smoking or vaping is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Watch the video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/vPjdvCjOMH0?feature=share
Additional Resources:
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/quality-life-diabetes https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/275354/slow-cooker-creamy-butternut-squash-apple-soup/?kw=myrecipes
https://www.eatingwell.com/one-pot-chicken-spinach-sun-dried-tomato-orzo-11866166?kw=myrecipes
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and we at UPHP are getting the word out about the importance of early detection through screening.
Supporting someone you care about who has diabetes begins with understanding the fundamentals. Learn to recognize when their blood sugar rises or drops, pay attention to what they say they need, and keep in mind that each person’s journey is unique. Share in nutritious meals and active habits. Making changes side‑by‑side often leads to lasting progress.
Watch this week’s video: https://youtube.com/shorts/WvEmd8pm_Es?feature=share
Learn More:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/caring/index.html
https://diabetes.org/tools-resources/for-caregivers
Navigating diabetes is tough, but you’re not alone. Your PCP, care managers, dietitians, educators, pharmacists, and the U.P. Diabetes Outreach Network (UPDON) are all here to help.
As a Diabetes Nurse at UPHP, Mary is also here to support members living with prediabetes and diabetes. You’ve got a team behind you. Find out more about UPDON here: https://www.upcap.org/up-diabetes-outreach-network
Watch this week’s video: https://youtube.com/shorts/-aleItXVog0?feature=share
Dr. Jared Meyette from Upper Great Lakes Family Health stopped by Mark & Walt in the Morning to talk about the unique challenges of pediatric care across the U.P. and the vital role pediatricians play in supporting community health. We’re proud to have Dr. Meyette among the many dedicated providers in UPHP’s pediatric network—working every day to keep U.P. kids healthy and thriving.
Listen to the interview here: https://bit.ly/3MllGrE
