Diabetes Awareness Month

“Make sure to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, see your physician often and drink lots of water,” stated Connie Peterson, recommendations she takes to heart on the subject of type 2 diabetes.

Approximately 29 million people in the United States have diabetes. 1.7 million people aged 20 years or older were diagnosed with diabetes in 2012.

“I got type 2 diabetes when I was pregnant with Cody. They called this gestational diabetes, which I have had since February of 1988,” Connie said. “I take Metformin twice a day and an insulin shot called Humalog before each meal. I also take an insulin shot called lantus before bedtime. This is a slow acting shot to help me throughout the night.”

Connie is on a sliding scale. “This is according to what your sugars run when checked before each meal. I check mine four times a day. Each persons’ sugars run differently,” Connie stated. 85 makes me feel low, which consists of shakiness and feeling jittery. 170 is high for me, which may make me extra thirsty or sleepy. Some have to urinate a lot.”

Sugars used to be the only thing people really watched, but that is no longer true. “Now you need to count carbohydrates, 45 grams for breakfast, 15 grams for a snack, 45 grams for lunch, 15 for a snack, 45 grams for supper and 15 for a snack before going to bed,” Connie said. “The one before bed is only if you need it.”

There is another measures recommended to control diabetes. “Exercise is very important. Walking is especially good,” Connie said.

As time has progressed, Connie has had to deal with many health changes as a result of her diabetes. “At this time in my life, I am dealing with a lot of pain in my feet, toes and legs. This is called neuropathy,” Connie stated. Her family has a history of diabetes. “My dad was a diabetic. He had a large family and I believe every one of them had it in some form or other,” Connie said. “I had an aunt that went blind and had several other problems. My brother and sister also have been diagnosed with diabetes.”

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of major health complications. “There are horrible side effects from having diabetes. Loss of limbs, blindness and diabetic ulcers are a few,” Connie stated.

Monitoring your health is very important to prevent diabetes from deteriorating your health. “I have blood your done every three months. You need to see your physician regularly, more often if there are complications,” Connie said.

For more information about diabetes, contact your physician or visit the National Diabetes Prevention Program at www.cdc.gov/diabetes.

Connie with her granddaughter Kalihan. Photo Courtesy of Connie Peterson.