Eye on Health: Preventing and managing diabetes
An estimated 11% of Americans are currently living with diabetes, according to the CDC. A diabetes diagnosis often leaves patients feeling overwhelmed and fearful of how to live with this chronic condition, according to Beacon Medical Group Main Street family medicine physician Dr. Johnny Gerardot.
“When people hear about diabetes, they get really worried that what’s coming next is poking their finger all the time and using insulin,” said Dr. Gerardot.
Pre-diabetes and Type II diabetes are all very manageable conditions, according to Dr. Gerardot. He believes that developing an overall wellness plan that includes changes in diet and exercise can go a long way in preventing and managing the disease.
Beacon Health & Fitness registered dietitian Erica Weinandy also believes nutrition plays a large role in managing the condition. She says awareness of what we are eating and how much is essential to developing healthier eating habits.
“The world is abundant with carbohydrates of varying types,” said Weinandy. “To talk about how much of a cookie you should eat versus how much brown rice is very different from person to person.”
Weinandy teaches a diabetes education course available to both Beacon Health & Fitness members and non-members modeled off the nationally recognized Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP).
Learn more in our latest Eye on Health with WSBT.
