Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

November is American Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a chronic disease caused when the pancreas makes little or no insulin or the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin.

Warning signs of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination
• Unusual thirst
• Tiredness
• Blurry vision
• Extreme hunger
• Very dry skin
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes.

For some 34.2 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes, the coronavirus pandemic has added more layers of stress to health concerns. The severity of COVID-19 seems to increase with underlying medical conditions, including diabetes.

People with diabetes have much higher rates of serious complications from COVID-19 and death than people without diabetes. With that concern, consistent management of the disease is crucial to lessen severe symptoms from COVID or any viral infection.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that you call your doctor immediately if you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and have the following information available:

• Glucose reading
• Ketone reading
• Tracking of fluid consumption
• Details about symptoms
• Questions about managing your diabetes

Team approach to managing diabetes

Thibodaux Regional Diabetes Self-Management Program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association and is committed to helping you learn how to care for your diabetes. A registered nurse and dietitian, who are both certified diabetes care and education specialists, assist you in developing a diabetes management plan that works for you. Our focus is to assist patients to instill lifestyle choices that support healthier lives. In addition, WellFit Diabetes Care integrates medical care with wellness practices such as nutrition and exercise to help you manage diabetes and lower risks.

 

Katie Richard is the education and training coordinator for Thibodaux Regional Wellness Education Center. For more information, please visit https://www.thibodaux.com/centers-services/diabetes-self-management or call 985-493-4765.