November
is National Diabetes Awareness Month- a month to raise awareness about diabetes.
Though 10.5% of the U.S. population is diabetic,
many individuals are unaware of its potential risks and have lots of
misinformation about this chronic condition.
This year, individuals and healthcare
professionals are teaming up to get the focus of youth who have diabetes to
self-care practices. Here are some tips for youth with diabetes to avoid
serious health complications and hospital visits.
Children and teens should take the right dose
of prescribed medicines at the right time - even when they are feeling good and
have achieved their blood glucose and cholesterol goals.
A healthy eating plan, getting enough sleep,
and regular physical activities are imperative for individuals who have
diabetes, and especially if they are taking insulin. Youth who have type-1
diabetes should always take note of their blood glucose before and after
physical activities.
A basic go-kit with medical supplies and
equipment, a medication list (along with doses and dosing schedules), and a
health care professional and emergency contact list, helps youth to stay
prepared for emergencies.
Monitor Diabetes Complications
Early diagnosis can help reduce the risk of
potential health problems, such as heart disease, nerve damage, and vision
loss.
Encourage youth to connect with other
individuals who have diabetes to talk about their concerns and feelings about
their chronic condition.
An annual visit to an ophthalmologist can help
catch early signs of retinopathy. It is a condition that causes damage to the
blood vessels in the eye and eventually partial blindness or blurred vision.
Celebrate National Diabetes Awareness Month by
informing individuals who have diabetes about self-care practices. Also, guide
them on how to eat healthily, become more active, and monitor their heart
health with an Ambulatory ECG.
