Posts Tagged ‘Diabetes’

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

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

Did you know? Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes! Over time, high and low blood sugar can damage nerves and small blood vessels in the ears, leading to difficulty hearing.

Signs of hearing loss:

• Asking people to repeat themselves
• Struggling to hear in groups
• Feeling like others mumble
• Turning up the TV or music too loud

Protect your hearing!

• Keep blood sugar in check
• Get annual hearing tests
• Avoid loud environments

Take care of your ears like you do the rest of your health!

Watch this week’s video: https://youtube.com/shorts/MtCjQEAybDw?feature=share

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4j7CmxC

Type 2 diabetes isn’t just for adults—more kids are being diagnosed, and the reasons aren’t fully clear. While family history, weight, inactivity, and even mom’s pregnancy can play a role, healthy habits can help prevent it!

What can families do? Make movement fun—play kickball, go on a scavenger hunt, or have a dance party! Build a healthy food mindset—no “good” or “bad” foods, just everyday vs. occasional choices.

Small changes today = a healthier future!

Watch this week’s video: https://youtube.com/shorts/wodhyRW9qGI?feature=share

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3SdtD1Z

Living with diabetes affects more than blood sugar — it can impact sexual and reproductive health too.

• High blood sugars can lead to more yeast and bladder infections.
• Diabetes may lower sexual desire or enjoyment.
• If you’re planning a pregnancy, elevated blood sugars can increase risks for you and your baby — though many women with diabetes have healthy pregnancies with the right care.

All of this highlights why keeping blood sugars in a healthy range matters. Small steps add up, and your health is worth it.

Watch this week’s video: https://youtube.com/shorts/MWrMvJZqDQQ?feature=share

Learn More:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/risk-factors/diabetes-and-women-1.html

https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/7995105/sheet-pan-chicken-cutlets-with-brussels-sprouts-sweet-potatoes/?advertest=myrecipes

Nighttime lows (blood sugar <70) are serious and easy to miss. To help prevent them: don’t skip dinner, exercise earlier in the day, avoid alcohol before bed, watch for infections, and check with your provider about medication timing.

Possible signs: nightmares, night sweats, unusual breathing, trouble waking up, or morning headaches.

Stay aware and stay safe.

Watch this week’s video: https://youtube.com/shorts/IyhYcHcirlE?feature=share

Learn more:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/hypoglycemia-nocturnal
https://www.eatingwell.com/sheet-pan-mojo-chicken-with-green-beans-potatoes-11742755

This week, learn about the Hemoglobin A1c test, how it tracks your blood sugar, and why it’s vital for managing diabetes. Plus, discover how diabetes impacts your kidneys, the warning signs of kidney issues, and tips to keep them healthy. Let’s navigate diabetes together!

Watch this week’s video: https://youtu.be/lgZ87oGYkAw

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune condition that affected 11.6% of Americans in 2021. But managing it is more than just monitoring blood sugar — it’s a daily practice in resilience, responsibility, and independence.

Today, we’re sharing Tori’s story to shed light on what it’s really like living with this diagnosis.

Watch this week’s video: https://youtube.com/shorts/qskcLMlrjmY?

Learn more:
https://bit.ly/3F2g69N
https://bit.ly/4lXZpgp

Men are less likely than women to visit a doctor, often avoiding it because they don’t want to hear bad news about their health. If diabetes goes undetected or untreated, it can cause serious problems like heart disease, strokes, blindness, kidney damage, and the loss of toes or legs. It can also impact men’s sexual health.

Read more: Diabetes and Men | Diabetes | CDC

Watch this week’s video: https://youtube.com/shorts/DpLAK2EK_o4