Control Your Diabetesfor Life

Program Objectives

• To gain a better understanding of diabetes prevention and treatment.

• To develop the knowledge and ability to better control diabetes.

• To encourage people with diabetes to take better control of their condition.

What will we talk about?

• What is diabetes?• Who has diabetes?• Diabetes in Kentucky.• Why is it important to control diabetes?• How can you control your diabetes for

life?• Using CATSkills to control diabetes.

What is Diabetes?• Diabetes results from a deficiency

of effective insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas.

• If your body doesn’t have enough insulin or if it doesn’t use it properly, your body can’t utilize its main fuel - sugar.

Who has Diabetes?• People of all ages,

races, genders, and ethnic backgrounds can have diabetes.

• People who are older, overweight, or not very active are at greater risk.

Diabetes in Kentucky• Diabetes in Kentucky

is on the rise.• The prevalence of

diabetes has increased.

• This increase is attributed to individuals being inactive and overweight, as well as an aging population.

Why is it important to control diabetes?

• People with diabetes generally have higher levels of glucose and fats, such as cholesterol, in their blood.

• These excess amounts of glucose and fats can lead to damaged or blocked blood vessels.

• People with diabetes develop heart disease three to four times more often than non-diabetics.

Percentage of Kentucky adults who answered “yes”.

1995 1996 1997 1998 19990

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Have you ever been told by a doctor that you have diabetes?

Why is it important to control diabetes?

• Some people with diabetes, those diagnosed as an adult, may produce too much insulin – a hormone which helps the body use glucose.

• Research shows that high levels of insulin may also cause damage to blood vessels.

• Damage to blood vessels can cause many additional problems for those with diabetes.

Why is it important to control diabetes?

• Controlling diabetes keeps you in top condition.

• Control of glucose, fat, and insulin will help prevent complications with feet, eyes, heart, kidneys, and nerves.

How can you control your diabetes for life?

• Find out what type of diabetes you have.

• Get regular care.• Learn how to

control your diabetes.

• Treat high blood glucose

• Monitor your blood glucose level.

• Take preventative steps.

• Get checked regularly for long-term problems and treat them.

Find out what type diabetes you have

• Type 1- people with this type of diabetes take insulin everyday; formerly referred to as “juvenile” diabetes.

• Type 2 – this type of diabetes can be controlled through diet and physical activity; insulin or pills may be needed; formerly referred to as “adult onset”.

Get regular care• See a doctor, nurse,

diabetes educator, or dietitian regularly.

• Make a list of the things you want to discuss at each appointment.

• Gain support from family and friends.

Learn how to control diabetes

• There is not a single approach for everyone with diabetes.

• Testing out different approaches is the best way to see what works for you.

• It is important that you learn how to care for your own diabetes!!

Treat high blood glucose

• Eat a healthy diet• Get regular

physical activity• Take medication• Test blood

glucose levels• Talk with your

healthcare team

Treat high blood glucose

• Before Meals– 80-120 mg/dl

• At Bedtime– 100-140

mg/dl

Monitor blood glucose• Testing your own blood glucose is a

great way to take control of diabetes.• Talk with a healthcare provider about:

– The best type of test– How to do the test and how often– What the results mean– How to get supplies

Take preventative steps

• It is important for people with diabetes to take steps to prevent complications such as eye disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, heart disease, and stroke.

Take preventative steps

• Regularly check blood pressure

• Have blood fats, such as cholesterol, tested

• Regularly have kidney checkups

• Have regular foot and eye exams

Get checked for long-term problems and

treat them• People with diabetes should see their healthcare provider on a regular basis to check for problems caused by diabetes.

• By regularly seeing a healthcare provider you can begin treating problems before they become even bigger problems.

Using CATSkills to control diabetes

• Everyone can benefit by using CATSkills to help prevent and treat diabetes:

– Cooking and Eating, Your Way– Activity for Your Health– Time to Be Well

Cooking & Eating, Your Way

• Today, there are numerous dietary choices to control blood glucose levels.

• Work with a Registered Dietitian (R.D.) or a Certified Diabetes Educator (C.D.E.) to develop an eating plan that is right for you.

• There is not one diet for people with diabetes – diets should be custom tailored to you!

Cooking and Eating,

Your Way• Eating a healthy diet in the 21st century doesn’t require a great deal of energy – just a little thought!

• Think about what you eat now, and the things that you expect from your diet:– Convenient?– Affordable?– Nutritious?– Tasty?

Cooking and Eating,

Your Way• Buy convenience

foods such as pasta, rice, canned beans, and frozen vegetables.

• Select breads and cereals that have at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.

• Keep low-fat, high-flavor dairy foods in the refrigerator.

• Use small amounts of lean meats in stir fry dishes.

• Pick colorful fruits and vegetables.

Cooking and Eating, Your Way

• Include whole-grain, high-fiber breads and cereals.

• Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables.

• Eat 2-3 servings of dairy.

• Choose lean protein foods.

• Limit intake of sugars and fats.

• Eat sensible portions of food.

Cooking and Eating,

Your Way

• Good News!!!– People with diabetes no longer need to

follow a “no concentrated sweet” diet.– Studies have shown that sugar and

carbohydrate are broken down at the same rate, so it is the total amount of carbohydrate eaten that is important.

Activity for Your Health• Regular activity

offers many benefits – Increased insulin

sensitivity– Improved blood

pressure– Lower cholesterol– Weight

loss/maintenance

Activity for Your Health

• Park farther from the door and walk

• Take the steps instead of the elevator

• Walk to the mailbox• Clean out a closet

• Play with your children

• Work in the garden• Take the dog for a

walk• Dance• Run the vacuum

Activity for Your Health

Check with your health care team before beginning any physical activity!

Time to Be Well

• A positive attitude is important to your health and well-being.

• Positive thoughts and actions can promote future changes in behavior, making it easier to take control of diabetes for life.

Time to Be Well• Engage in regular

physical activity• Think positive

thoughts• Manage your

emotions• Cope effectively

with stress

TheWildcat WayTo Wellness

Where will it take you?