Getting Started - Help for People with Diabetes

The Basic Facts You Need to Know about Diabetes

I was diagnosed with diabetes. Now what?

The first thing you should remember is – you are not alone. The Better Care Program® is here to help give you the personal support and guidance you need to manage your diabetes and feel your best.

If you’re feeling anxious and uncertain about how diabetes will affect your life, the first thing you should do is get the facts. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk about your diagnosis. Gather information about diabetes – you can find helpful and reliable sources online or visit your local library to see what books and magazines are available.

What you’ll quickly discover is that you’ll feel more confident and in control by finding the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. You can’t cure diabetes. But, there are things you can do to reduce your risk for dangerous complications which can also help you feel better and increase your energy levels.

Facts and Statistics

  • Total: 23.6 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes
  • Diagnosed: 17.9 million people
  • Undiagnosed: 5.7 million people

Who is at Greater Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

  • People with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose (IFG)
  • People over age 45
  • People with a family history of diabetes
  • People who are overweight
  • People who do not exercise regularly
  • People with low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides and high blood pressure
  • Certain racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and American Indians and Alaska Natives)
  • Women who had gestational diabetes or who have had a baby weighing 9 pounds or more at birth

Copyright 2009 American Diabetes Association
From http://www.diabetes.org
Reprinted with permission from The American Diabetes Association

What is diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes
Occurs when the body produces some insulin but fails to use it properly. The amount of insulin produced may be below normal. Lifestyle factors such as inactivity and obesity are believed to be the main contributor in type 2 diabetes, although genetics may also play an important role. Most Americans with diabetes have type 2.

Type 1 Diabetes (previously called Juvenile Diabetes)
Occurs when the body fails to produce any insulin. Genetic factors are the main contributor. It is usually diagnosed in children and adolescents, however, adults can also develop this condition. 5-10% of Americans with diabetes have type 1.

Pre-Diabetes
Occurs when a person’s blood sugar level is above normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Not all people with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes. Weight control and an active lifestyle can help prevent this condition from worsening.

As a diabetic, what can I eat?

How much and what you should eat is different for everyone. Your gender, body frame, activity level, current weight, medical history and current health should be taken into consideration. You should first talk to your doctor or a dietitian who can provide recommendations to best fit your needs. Your personalized meal plan may cover suggestions for watching your carbohydrate, fat (trans and saturated) and sodium intake. Your doctor may also advise you to keep your daily calorie intake within a certain range.

After you consult your physician for nutritional recommendations, you’ll find that you can still eat many of your favorite dishes. With diabetes, the key is moderation and being aware of the proper portion size for your food. Here’s the good news…The Better Care Program offers healthy recipes and meal planning advice developed especially for people with diabetes! If you have diabetes, you can still enjoy delicious food. Get started on your journey to better health. Click here to get your FREE Better Care Kit® with 3 FREE cookbooks featuring almost 200 full-color pages of tasty snacks, meals and desserts.