Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications and a close relationship with your doctor. Nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes and another 41 million are at risk for developing diabetes (pre- diabetic). Whether you just found out you have diabetes or have been dealing with it for years, you can control your diabetes and and improve the quality of your life. The basic definition of diabetes is having too much glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream – glucose is essentially the fuel from food that your body needs to function each day. However, in a diabetic person, the glucose cannot be processed properly and health complications occur. Insulin, produced by the body, plays a major role in health. It acts as a key, “unlocking” cells to allow them to utilize glucose as energy. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 – this type is typically found in children and young adults, in which the body does not produce insulin. Most often this type of diabetes is caused by genetics. Type 2 – the most common form of diabetes in which either the body does not produce enough insulin or ignores the insulin. Those with type 2 diabetes need to monitor their diet, get plenty of exercise and possibly use medication to control the disease. Are you at risk for Diabetes? Several factors can increase your risk for developing diabetes: Weight – Being over weight or obese Inactivity – Exercising fewer than three times each week Family history – Any immediate family member diagnosed with type 2 diabetes increases you own risk for developing diabetes. Knowing your family medical history could save your life. Race – People with African American, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian American heritages are at higher risk High blood pressure – Higher than 120/80 thE buzz z M a r c h 2 0 1 0 & us & & You Common Symptoms of type 1 & type 2 diabetes: ✓ Feeling very thirsty ✓ Frequent urination ✓ Extreme hunger ✓ Unexplained weight loss ✓ Feeling tired ✓ Blurred vision ✓ Slow healing cuts and bruises ✓ Tingling and numbness in hands and feet ✓ Frequent infections What can you do? There are two things you can do that will go a long way in the prevention of developing diabetes. 1. Increase regular physical activity – Losing weight is only one of the many benefits of increasing your physical activity to at least three times each week. Physical activity lowers blood sugar and boosts your sensitivity to insulin — which helps keep your blood sugar within a normal range. 2. Adopt a healthy diet – A diet low in fat, low in carbohydrates and moderate in salt/sugar will help you stay healthier longer. Increase your consumption of fiber and whole grains, and steer clear of fad diets that promise quick results. Instead, think variety and portion control as part of an overall healthy-eating plan. Diabetes
Transcript
Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications and a close relationship with your doctor. Nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes and another 41 million are at risk for developing diabetes (pre-
diabetic). Whether you just found out you have diabetes or have been dealing with it for years, you can control your diabetes and and improve the quality of your life.
The basic defi nition of diabetes is having too much glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream – glucose is essentially the fuel from food that your body needs to function each day. However, in a diabetic person, the glucose cannot be processed properly and health complications occur.
Insulin, produced by the body, plays a major role in
health. It acts as a key, “unlocking” cells to
allow them to utilize glucose as energy. There are two types of diabetes:
Type 1 – this type is typically found in children and young adults,
in which the body does not produce
insulin. Most often this type of diabetes is caused by genetics.
Type 2 – the most common form of diabetes in which either the body does not produce enough insulin or ignores the insulin. Those with type 2 diabetes need to monitor their diet, get plenty of exercise and possibly use medication to control the disease.
Are you at risk for Diabetes?
Several factors can increase your risk for developing diabetes:
Weight – Being over weight or obese
Inactivity – Exercising fewer than three times each week
Family history – Any immediate family member diagnosed with type 2 diabetes increases you own risk for developing diabetes. Knowing your family medical history could save your life.
Race – People with African American, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian American heritages are at higher risk
High blood pressure – Higher than 120/80
thE buzz z March 2010
&Diabetes is a serious
&Diabetes is a serious
&&&&&&&&&&&& You
Common Symptoms of type 1 & type 2 diabetes:✓ Feeling very thirsty
✓ Frequent urination
✓ Extreme hunger
✓ Unexplained weight loss
✓ Feeling tired
✓ Blurred vision
✓ Slow healing cuts and bruises
✓ Tingling and numbness in hands and feet
✓ Frequent infections
What can you do?There are two things you can do that will go a long way in the prevention of developing diabetes.
1. Increase regular physical activity – Losing weight is only one of the many benefi ts of increasing your physical activity to at least three times each week. Physical activity lowers blood sugar and boosts your sensitivity to insulin — which helps keep your blood sugar within a normal range.
2. Adopt a healthy diet – A diet low in fat, low in carbohydrates and moderate in salt/sugar will help you stay healthier longer. Increase your consumption of fi ber and whole grains, and steer clear of fad diets that promise quick results. Instead, think variety and portion control as part of an overall healthy-eating plan.
Diabetes
Provided by: Department of Personnel and BJC HealthCare for the Bee Fit Wellness Program
For more information: call Matt Meyers at 622-4849 or email at [email protected]
Calendar Calendar
Diabetes @ WorkDid you know…Bee-Fit is partnering with the St. Louis Diabetes Coalition to offer a comprehensive diabetes education program. Participants in the Diabetes at Work program will meet at 12 p.m. every Wednesday for twelve weeks, beginning March 3. Classes will be held in room 919 of the Carnahan Courthouse, 1114 Market Street.
All participants will receive FREE tools for diabetes management, including a glucose meter, a pedometer and a foot check fi lament, just to name a few.
Also, for every completed assignment AND every session attended, participants will be entered for a chance to win a FLAT SCREEN HD-TV, which will be raffl ed at the end of the program.
We have limited space in this break through program and will only be able to accept the fi rst 25 people to respond and meet the qualifying criteria. Those currently diagnosed by their doctor as diabetic or pre-diabetic will be accepted fi rst. Then those with a family history or curiosity of diabetes will be allowed to participate, class size permitting.
Please also note that all participants must be eligible to attend an individual 15-minute pre-program consultation prior to attending classes.
For further information and to register, contact Matt Meyers today, [email protected] or by phone at (314) 622-4849. Please include your name, e-mail address, phone number and which of the qualifying criterion that you met.
& You
Mammography VanWe are again partnering with Siteman Cancer Center to sponsor on-site mammograms. The Mammography Van is scheduled to be in the parking lot between City Hall, 1200 Market, and the Municipal Courts Building, 1320 Market, on the following dates from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.:
Monday, March 1, 2010Friday, March 26, 2010Wednesday, March 31, 2010Monday, May 24, 2010
The Mammography Van will perform screening mammograms for women without a written note from their physician if they meet the following criteria:
• Age 40 or older
• No mammogram in the past 12 months
• No signs or symptoms of breast cancer (such as lumps or dimpling)
• No breast implants
• No history of breast cancer
• No current pregnancy
There will be no charge if you are in UnitedHealthcare, however, you must present your ID card at the time of the mammogram.
Please schedule your appointment directly by contacting the Call Center at 747-7222 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
April Sneak Preview…
Weight Loss Challenge – Competition ends April 2
Final weigh-ins will take place on site April 5 – 9. A detailed schedule will be sent via e-mail to all team captains.
BeeLite – A new ten-week session starts the week of April 14 at new locations. If you have 15 – 20 employees interested in participating, contact Matt Meyers ([email protected]) to discuss hosting this dynamic weight management at your site.
Smoking Cessation – A new seven-week behavior modifi cation program begins April 5. A minimum of seven participants are required for this class. If you are interested in hosting this class at your site, contact Matt Meyers ([email protected]) for details.
