How much do you know about diabetes?  November is American Diabetes Month, and there’s no better way to honor the month than by learning the types of diabetes, the signs and symptoms of diabetes, and the treatment options available.  FitClub wants you to know more about diabetes, and is hosting a Diabetes discussion on Friday, November 18, 2016 at 12:15PM at FitClub West, and again on Monday, November 21, 2016 at 12:15PM at FitClub South.  The talks are hosted by Erin Paris, Registered Dietician, Certified Diabetes Educator, and Group Exercise Instructor.

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What is diabetes?
Diabetes is generally defined as a condition that impairs how your body uses glucose (sugar), making it difficult for the cells that make up your muscles, tissues, and brain to receive the energy needed to function.

There are three main types of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes.  Type 1 (previously known as juvenile diabetes) diabetes generally affects children and young adults; however, researchers are discovering even more types of diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes generally affects middle-aged and older adults, but can also affect younger people.  Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women and unborn babies.
Diabetes is a serious disease that should be treated and managed through medical treatment and healthy lifestyle changes.

Early symptoms and warning signs?
Learning the symptoms and warning signs of diabetes is crucial.  Approximately 86 million people have prediabetes, yet only about 10% are aware of their condition.
The American Diabetes Association has published a list of common diabetes symptoms, including: “urinating often, feeling very thirsty, feeling very hungry, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, cuts or bruises that are slow to heal, unexplained weight loss, and tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet.” If you or a loved one is experiencing the common symptoms of diabetes, it is imperative that you speak to a medical provider for formal evaluation and diagnosis.  Early treatment of diabetes is critical in avoiding further diabetic complications.

How can you combat the disease?
Whether you have been diagnosed with diabetes, are pre-diabetic, or just want to be proactive in preventing the disease, it is crucial that you incorporate healthy eating and fitness into your daily life.  Diabetes can be managed with both proper medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle.

A diabetes diagnosis doesn’t mean you have to give up tasty meals.  Knowing how to prepare a healthy meal that benefits your body and allows your body to ward off diabetic complications is an important first step towards treating and managing the disease.  A dietitian can help you understand what foods to eat and what foods to avoid if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Knowledge is the first step in treating and preventing diabetes.  Don’t be afraid to learn more about the disease, early symptoms, and treatments available.  Make a plan to attend one of the diabetes talks coming soon to FitClub and take advantage of Erin’s knowledge to get started on a proactive approach to managing or preventing diabetes.