Last year, more than 80,000 people died of the flu and its complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This statistic is especially concerning for those with chronic health conditions like diabetes, who are considered “high risk.” I encourage all my patients to get the flu shot each year. But my … Continue reading Why people with diabetes are at high risk for the flu
You’ve heard of diabetes, but do you know about prediabetes? Prediabetes is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not elevated to the point of diabetes. Prediabetes indicates a person has insulin resistance — meaning your cells are becoming resistant to insulin, the hormone our bodies use to regulate blood sugar. Insulin tells your body … Continue reading What is prediabetes and can you reverse it?
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2, you know how important numbers are. Your health comes down to just a few numbers that reveal how well your diabetes management plan is working and how healthy your body is functioning. But remembering what these different numbers mean, and what qualifies as a … Continue reading The 3 most important numbers for diabetics to watch
For the 1.25 million Americans living with Type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is a daily necessity. But, researchers are now getting close to changing that. By many accounts, the first recorded mention of diabetes was more than 3,500 years ago in 1552 BC. Despite this centuries-long presence, it was not until 1922 that doctors first … Continue reading An insulin shot-free future for Type 1 diabetics?
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you are likely aware you’re at risk of developing heart disease. But you may not realize how strongly the two are correlated — according to the American Diabetes Association, two out of every three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. With those kinds of numbers, … Continue reading If you have diabetes, you need to protect your heart
Because I work on the social media team for Baylor Scott & White Health, I often have the opportunity to share people’s stories. Powerful stories, inspiring stories, stories with a purpose. It’s always a privilege to write them. But this time, I have the opportunity to tell a different kind of story — mine. When … Continue reading Why I’m thankful for Type 1 diabetes
Following a healthy diet can be tricky. With so many options available and so many conflicting diet plans, choosing the right foods isn’t easy. Fortunately, when it comes to carbohydrates, there is a tool to help separate the good from the bad. The glycemic index ranks carbohydrates based on how fast they raise your blood … Continue reading Not all carbs are created equal
For a group of nurses at Scott & White Medical Center – Temple, a simple idea to improve patient care turned into something much bigger. Over a year ago, they were asked to share their thoughts on how to improve their unit. One need stood out above the rest — diabetes education. They kept seeing … Continue reading Nurses empower patients to take charge of diabetes care
Transitioning from summer break back into school can be difficult for any child, but for those with Type 1 diabetes, school presents additional challenges. Beyond gathering school supplies and picking out a first-day-of-school outfit, parents often stress about how to make sure their child will be safe and healthy while at school. Managing Type 1 … Continue reading Back to school with Type 1 diabetes
Many weight loss stories out there closely resemble fairy tales. The star reaches their weight loss goal and then the credits roll. Sure, the “happily ever after” is fun to read about. It may even motivate us for a few weeks. But for many, the weight loss fairy tale can turn into a recurring nightmare. … Continue reading A healthy lifestyle starts by changing behavior
