Health officials across Delmarva on ways to manage Diabetes
Diabetes Awareness Month
DELMARVA – About 1.5 million people die from diabetes annually according to the World Health Organization, and those numbers continue to increase. While diabetes can be deadly, experts on Delmarva say one can successfully manage the disease with proper nutrition, education, and most importantly, determination.
Blindness, kidney disease, and stroke are just some of the things that can happen if diabetes goes unchecked. Certified Diabetes Specialist for Atlantic General Hospital, Dr. Nakita Cropper says Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition and can only be treated with insulin. On the other hand, Type 2 has more to do with genetics and lifestyle and can be treated with oral medication, injectables, and insulin.
Dr. Cropper says low-income individuals have a higher risk of being diagnosed, and that we have to address both the disease and the disparities. “Although it is often difficult receiving the diagnosis, that it is possible for individuals to successfully manage the condition and live long, healthy, fulfilled lives… We know that African Americans and Hispanics are most likely to be diagnosed with the condition. underserved groups are more likely to experience difficulty with accessing healthcare.”
Adults should get at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week according to Dr. Cropper, and she says there are a few risk factors to look out for. “Being overweight or obese. Having limited physical activity daily, smoking, as well as having a hormonal condition such as polycystic ovarian syndrome.”
Exercise isn’t the only way to manage this disease, there is also nutrition according to Kelly Williams, Nutritionist for the Worcester County Health Department. “I think the biggest challenge people face when managing diabetes is knowing how to combine foods. People who are diabetic can eat all foods. It’s just knowing the proper proportions, and the combinations of those foods to better stabilize blood sugar.”
Williams says using fiber, fat, and protein to help with blood sugar, opens a world of possibilities. “Don’t be afraid to experiment, find food that tastes good to you. Being diabetic doesn’t mean you can’t have your favorite foods you might just have to enjoy them in a bit of a different way.”
November is Diabetes Awareness Month and all over Delmarva health officials are aiming to educate the public, including at TidalHealth Nanticoke. Kelly Birch is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and says TidalHealth offers many educational resources such as medical dietitians, community health workers, and nurse practitioners that assist patients.
Birch says this is the first time they are hosting a Diabetes Forum at Nanticoke, where endocrinologist and keynote speaker Dr. Francisco Padilla will discuss exercise, and the importance of being active. Birch says this disease is scary, but not knowing, is scarier. “There are over 34 million people with diabetes and at least 7 million that don’t even know they have it. But just making people aware of diabetes, that it can be managed, and that they have a team to help them manage their diabetes is so important,” says Birch.
Atlantic General Hospital has a diabetes support group every first Wednesday of the month. You can call 410-208-9761 for more information. They are also holding a diabetes seminar on November 26 at 5:30PM at the Pentecostal Church of God in Pocomoke.
The Worcester County Health Department says they have a diabetes resource guide, just log onto their website for more information. The free diabetes awareness event at TidalHealth Nanticoke is on Monday, November 18, and doors open at 5:30PM. They also have support groups monthly, just visit their website for more details.
