The Importance of Keeping Blood Sugar Levels Low

An alarming new report from the Centers of Disease and Prevention (CDC) finds 34.2 million people in the U.S. (10.5% of the country’s population) are diabetic. Within that group, “7.3 million, or 21.4%, have not yet received a diagnosis. The CDC also estimates that 34.5% of people over 18 years old, or 88 million, have prediabetes.” 

Adding to the problem, researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, MD found over the last decade fewer people are controlling their blood sugar at healthy levels. They also report the management of cholesterol is down, which is especially troubling as diabetics are at a higher risk of developing heart disease as well as developing kidney disease and nerve, eye and organ problems.

Dr. Elizabeth Selvin, of the Bloomberg School’s Department of Epidemiology and senior author of the study, said: “These are concerning findings. There has been a real decline in glycemic control from a decade ago, and overall, only a small proportion of people with diabetes are simultaneously meeting the key goals of glycemic control, blood pressure control, and control of high cholesterol.” 

Experts say some of the problem may stem from the fact that doctors think it is too difficult to help patients maintain healthy blood sugar levels but with some of the newer medications now available this is no longer true. Dr. Selvin explains new drugs carry less risk of hypoglycemia, and the process of managing blood sugar levels “may not be as complicated and daunting as physicians and patients might have come to expect.”  

  

It is important to get regular checkups, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise (both cardio and strength training). You also need to follow your doctor’s or dietician’s advice regarding diet. Diabetics need to eat at the same time each day and to watch portion size. 

The beautiful MorningStar of Arvada senior living community believes serving seniors is our calling. We are committed to creating a community catering to the needs of residents and promoting independence through a healthy, engaged lifestyle. MorningStar has 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites and another 29 secure memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for availability of assisted living and independent living as well as to learn more about compassionate memory care in Arvada, CO.  

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