Written by Carissa Winkel
Cottonwood Expansion District
Approximately 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year, and the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has doubled over the past 20 years, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Disease rates are skyrocketing and the toll is clear. Kansas spends $2.4 billion annually on direct and indirect medical costs for diabetes. The impact on the community can be quantified, but if you live with diabetes or know someone who does, you know that the personal challenges can be constant. .
Just as barriers are ever-present, so is the diabetes management process. Thankfully, there are many lifestyle factors you can adjust when controlling your blood sugar levels. The obvious one is the type of food you eat, but the less obvious ones include medications, mood, and physical activity.
· Medications – Once diabetes is diagnosed, medications are often prescribed. This addition can have a big impact on your daily life. Keeping track of your medications, dosage, and timing may help you better control your blood sugar levels. This will increase your awareness of changes in your symptoms and allow you to work with your doctor to make any necessary adjustments.
· Mood – Mental health can be greatly affected by diabetes, and rapid changes in blood sugar levels can make your mood seem like a constant roller coaster ride. It’s a good idea to note how you’re feeling, as your mood can indicate increases and decreases in blood sugar levels. This awareness helps create a stronger connection between mind, body, and diabetes management strategies.
· Physical activity – Regular exercise plays a big role in blood sugar fluctuations and can help control diabetes. Tracking your exercise habits can help you discover the types of physical activity that make you feel your best and stay motivated to reach your fitness goals.
Lifestyle choices affect blood sugar levels, and being mindful of these habits can affect diabetes management. This will give you insight into your symptoms and help you identify habits that have a positive and negative impact on your blood sugar levels.
If you or someone you care for has diabetes, you can learn more strategies for controlling blood sugar levels in Eating with Diabetes. This national program aims to improve the health of people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. The program helps educate families and caregivers while connecting participants to resources.
Eating with diabetes gives you the opportunity to learn how to best care for yourself and your loved ones. This includes nutrition education and hands-on cooking demonstrations to help you feel confident in preparing enjoyable meals that balance blood sugar levels. Participants will also learn about the importance of physical activity and how to realistically incorporate it into daily life.
The class will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend on November 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost for the 8-hour hands-on learning experience is $40. Additionally, lunch is included. If you have any questions, please call us or register at 620-793-1910.
Carissa Winkel is a family and community wellness agent for K-State Research and Extension in the Cottonwood area. Please contact us at 620-793-1910 or (email protected).
