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CHI FRANCISCAN HEALTH /// chifranciscan.org 10 PREDIABETES—A FASTING BLOOD SUGAR of 100 to 125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)—is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, which is diagnosed when fasting blood sugar reaches 126 mg/dL or higher. If you have prediabetes, the most effective way to reduce your chance of developing diabetes is making lifestyle changes, including starting an exercise regimen and following a meal plan rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats, and low in sugar, sodium and processed food. If diabetes develops, knowing its signs can help you seek diagnosis and treatment quickly, before complications arise. Symptoms of diabetes may include persistent hunger or thirst, pain or numbness in the extremities, fatigue, abnormally frequent urination and reduced healing ability. HOW ARE YOU MANAGING? Managing blood sugar levels and keeping them within their target ranges is crucial to living life on your terms. "Twenty-six years ago, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and I started attending a diabetes education class less than a week after receiving the news," said Leslie Merklin-Barber, BSN, RN, CDE, diabetes education program coordinator at Highline Medical Center. "After all these years, I have no complications related to diabetes. Learning to manage this disease means getting to have the quality of life you want. You can adapt diabetes to your lifestyle, not the other way around." Start by speaking with a diabetes educator. At Highline, a diabetes educator and a dietitian provide one-on-one, individualized counseling, as well as a five-session self-management course that includes a meal plan for every patient and comprehensive information about exercise, nutrition, medications and avoiding complications—everything participants need to live well with diabetes. November is National Diabetes Month, but if you're struggling to manage diabetes, you shouldn't wait another day to seek help. Speak with your primary care physician about how to control the disease. LESLIE MERKLIN BARBER, BSN, RN, CDE HELP IS HERE Highline Medical Center offers several services to help individuals live better lives with diabetes, including: • Diabetes support group—During meetings on the first Monday of every month, participants share exercise and nutrition tips as well as advice for managing diabetes. • Gestational diabetes class— Women who develop high blood glucose levels during pregnancy learn how to manage the condition. • Newly diagnosed individuals' class—During this two-hour class, participants learn to separate diabetes myth from fact, including the misconception that having diabetes means giving up their favorite foods. "I visit hospitalized individuals who have diabetes," said Leslie Merklin- Barber, BSN, RN, CDE, diabetes education program coordinator at Highline. "If a patient is newly diagnosed, I'll begin diabetes management education for them at the bedside. If he or she has had diabetes for some time and isn't controlling it, I'll discuss effective ways to manage it." Your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not elevated enough to be considered diabetes. The good news: Taking action now could change your health trajectory. Tke Cotrol DIABETES NOW OF Don't have a primary care physician? Visit chifranciscan.org/doctor to nd one.