Diabetes Management Specialist

What is diabetes?

The food you eat converts to glucose, or sugar, in your blood. A hormone known as insulin shuttles this sugar into your cells so it can be used for energy or stored for later use. If your body fails to make enough or any insulin, the glucose stays in your blood.

Too much glucose in your blood can cause health problems, including nerve and organ damage. But you can manage diabetes and keep your blood sugar under control with lifestyle changes and medication.

What dietary interventions help with managing diabetes?

A healthy diet supports your well-being, even if you don’t have diabetes. But when you have issues with your metabolism caused by diabetes, healthy eating takes on even greater importance.

At PrimeCare Medical Center, Dr. Kwaku and Dr. Evivie can help you understand how the foods you eat affect your blood sugar levels. They’ll support you in learning carbohydrate counting and understanding portion sizes.

The team of providers can also help you make smart shopping and restaurant choices so you eat a diet that is a healthy mix of starches, fruits and vegetables, proteins, and fats. You learn which carbohydrates, such as fruits and whole grains, are better for you than others, such as sugary sweets or white bread.

You’ll also learn how important it is to time your meals and medications to keep your blood sugar level. If you eat too little in relation to your medicine, you could experience dangerously low blood sugar; too much food can make your blood sugar reach levels that are way too high.

What exercise is appropriate for someone with diabetes?

Exercise is a critical part of managing diabetes. When you’re physically active, your body can use insulin more efficiently and you use up sugar for energy so less of it sits in your bloodstream.

Dr. Kwaku and Dr. Evivie can help you get started on an exercise plan if you’re new to it or help manage the one you’re already following. You can figure out the best time of day for you to exercise that jibes with your meals and medication. Diabetics will also need to monitor their blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercise to check for low blood sugar. Warning signs include shakiness, hunger, lightheadedness, and weakness.

The office offers classes to help you manage your diabetes, so call to schedule one today or book an appointment online.