November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Disclosure: This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

When I first got pregnant developing gestational diabetes was on the forefront of my mind. My mom had gestational diabetes with every single one of her pregnancies including mine when she was 19. She found out she was pregnant with my brother because she was having symptoms of diabetes. As a precaution they gave her a pregnancy test and that’s how she found out. The diabetes she battled with everyone of her pregnancies was officially here to stay. She was barely 40.

Because of this diabetes is often at the forefront of my mind. Is it something I will get one day? Will I ever have to deal with gestational diabetes?  Is their a way I can prevent it or at least delay it’s onset?

The Difference Between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is typically genetic and is usually diagnosed in childhood. The pancreas stops producing insulin. It can also be caused by damage to the pancreas either due to injury or a rare infection or illness.

Type 2 diabetes is when the body is resistant to the insulin your body produces. It typically starts in adulthood.

Risk Factors of Diabetes

Family History of Diabetes
Obesity or Being Overweight
Insulin resistance
Ethnic Background
High Blood Pressure
History of Gestational Diabetes
Sedentary lifestyle
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Age

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Currently one in three American adults have pre-diabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Signs and Symptoms of diabetes include:

Excessive Thirst
Frequent Urination
Blurred Vision
Increased Hunger
Weight Loss
Tingling in hands and/or feet
Lack of Energy

Diabetic? Easy Steps for Managing your Diabetes

If you have diabetes there are certain things you have to be more diligent about. First and foremost  you need to seek medical attention for anything Diabetes related but there also some things you should be doing in addition to any medications you’re taking as prescribed by your doctor.

Diabetes slows the natural healing process of your body so many of these points have to do with PREVENTING illness and disease.

1) Stay Active: Work out. Get Moving and keep your weight in a healthy range. Lowering your BMI can make a huge difference. This is one of the best ways to manage diabetes especially Type 2.

2) Oral Health: Plaque and Gingivitis are concerns for diabetics as well those who are not diabetic. Making sure you’re taking the proper precautions to ensure proper oral hygiene is important. Brushing your teeth twice daily and mouthwash like Listerine can help.

3) A Healthy Diet and Supplements: Having a healthy diet filled with fruit, vegetables and lean protein are great for managing diabetes. If you’re lacking in anything supplements can help you stay healthy!

4) Stay Moisturized: My mom is frequently battling keeping her skin hydrated this is important because if your skin gets too dry it can crack and cause openings in the skin. Using lotion can really help with this especially during the winter time!

5) Treat Any Wounds Quickly: Diabetics often have issues with any wounds healing and have a higher risk of infection. It’s very important to clean and treat any wounds carefully and quickly as well as reaching out to your doctor.

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Are you Diabetic? How do you manage you’re diabetes. If you’re not diabetic what are you doing to lower your risk?