Claxton-Hepburn

Living Well with Diabetes Don't let diabetes get you down. Instead, let the condition serve as a reminder to implement healthy habits into your daily life. LIVING WITH DIABETES is often overwhelming, but you can take control by making a few lifestyle changes. "The journey to wellness for individuals living with diabetes begins by taking actionable, manageable steps in the right direction. But you don't have to get there right away," says Robert Cruikshank, MD, family medicine physician with Claxton- Hepburn Medical Center. "Stick with these changes until they become habits. Before you know it, you will be feeling more energized and enjoying life more." POWERFUL FUEL Paying attention to what you put on your plate is one of the most important changes to make when living with diabetes. Work with a nutritionist to select satisfying menu items rich in the nutrients your body needs. Together, you can create colorful meal plans lled with fruits and vegetables. You can even toss in a few indulgences to satisfy your sweet tooth and help prevent a dessert binge-fest. EXERCISE IS KEY Exercise is another element to factor into living a healthier life with diabetes. Make physical activity part of your daily routine, and set goals that are realistic. You don't have to hit the gym every day to pump iron or run on the treadmill; maybe you take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk around the block after dinner instead of having that second helping of mashed potatoes. Aim for at least 20 to 30 minutes per day of some form of exercise. ASK THE EXPERT Visiting your physician regularly is critical when living with a chronic condition such as diabetes. Work together to monitor your medications and blood sugar levels to ensure that the treatment plan you are following is effective. "There's no magic pill that makes diabetes go away, but the condition is manageable," says Karen Cole, BSN, RN, CWOCN, CDE, diabetes educator and wound care nurse with Claxton-Hepburn. "The diabetes team at Claxton-Hepburn will work with each individual to identify changes that need to made and then help tackle them one by one." Claxton-Hepburn has a robust diabetes education program designed to help patients reduce HbA1C levels and improve management skills. Visit www.claxtonhepburn.org/diabetes or call 315-713-5181 to learn more. 80 Robert Cruikshank, MD The Why Bother Factor Not paying close attention to diabetes management may result in significant consequences, such as the development and worsening of comorbid conditions. High blood pressure, hypertension, nonhealing wounds, small vessel disease impacting the eyes and kidneys, and even tooth decay are common complications associated with diabetes. The good news is, these conditions are very manageable and perhaps even reversible when detected early. Talk with your healthcare provider about the screenings that are right for you. 5 L I V I N G W E L L www.claxtonhepburn.org 5 Tomorrow is worth defending. L I V I N G W E L L

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