Posts Tagged ‘Mondays with Mary’

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can damage your eyes, nerves, kidneys, and heart and may cause emergencies. The good news: it’s manageable with regular checkups, medication, and glucose monitoring.

Learn more about symptoms and treatment: https://cle.clinic/42KjUWp

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Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can affect your brain and body. Watch for signs like dizziness, shakiness, sweating, weakness or irritability, and trouble concentrating. Stay informed, your brain depends on it!

Learn more: https://mayocl.in/3Z3jGHu

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Most people who had gestational diabetes (GDM) see their blood sugar return to normal after giving birth. Even so, they should get a diabetes test after delivery and have their blood sugar checked every year. GDM can also happen again in future pregnancies, so screening should be done at the first prenatal visit.
When planning another pregnancy, talk with your health care provider about birth control and keeping blood sugar in a healthy range. Some birth control methods can raise blood sugar, so another option may be better. Staying at a healthy weight, eating well, and being active can help lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later.
To help prevent Type 2 diabetes and heart disease:
• Keep up with postpartum checkups
• Get a yearly A1C test
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat healthy foods and limit sugary drinks
• Be active most days of the week
• Breastfeed if possible
• Have cholesterol checked about six months after birth Postpartum can be a big adjustment.
If you feel sad or depressed, reach out to your health care provider for support.

Watch the full video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/APVXPPmhRbI

Additional Resources: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DMCAH/Pages/Diabetes/Postpartum.aspx https://diabetes.my.dukehealth.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/Postpartum%20Gestation%20Diabetes%20Mellitus.final_.pdf https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/05/optimizing-postpartum-care

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

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

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