The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 37.3 million people in the U.S. have diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2), which is 11.3% of the total population. It also reports that 8.5 million of these patients have undiagnosed diabetes, meaning their health is especially at risk unless they take action.
What’s even more alarming is how diabetes affects many patients at a young age.
“Because of the childhood obesity pandemic, we’re seeing many children with diabetes,” says Dr. Heather Burney, family physician with Atrium Health Biddle Point, a facility of Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center. “The youngest patient I’ve treated was 13 years old. She was morbidly obese and had a family history of diabetes.”
Burney is also seeing diabetes affect many underserved populations in Charlotte. Underserved communities tend to have limited resources and may struggle to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. For example, many live in food deserts, where residents have limited access to affordable, healthy foods – especially fresh produce.
Health education is also key to battling diabetes successfully.
“Unless people consult a health care professional, they may be unaware of the risk factors and symptoms of diabetes,” Burney explains. “It’s important to learn about the types of diabetes and their contributing factors. For example, Type 1 diabetes is believed to be an autoimmune condition that many patients are born with. Obesity and lifestyle are often linked to Type 2 diabetes.”
Atrium Health has a history of supporting efforts to educate people about diabetes and improve eating habits throughout the community. Our family medicine providers have been assisting the Biddle Point community since Atrium Health Biddle Point opened in 1997.
“For more than 25 years, our family physicians and nutrition experts have been investing in our patients as we try to teach people how to eat better and make lifestyle choices that improve certain health conditions,” notes Burney.
Burney’s care has made a difference for Ella Dennis, a 75-year-old patient with Type 2 diabetes. Ella’s father had complications from diabetes and eventually died from the disease. Nutrition classes offered through Atrium Health helped Ella understand her medical situation and how to make better food choices.
Before examining Ella’s improved health habits, consider the types and symptoms of diabetes as well as tips for managing the disease.
Types of diabetes
Patients with Type 1 diabetes have no insulin secretion from their pancreas. They are often born with this condition or may develop it later in life. Genetic and environmental factors may play a role in the disease. Type 1 diabetics must take insulin injections right away.
Type 2 diabetes typically affects adults and is often linked to lifestyle, obesity and family history. Type 2 diabetics have trouble using insulin efficiently, which causes the pancreas to produce more insulin. If Type 2 diabetes is left uncontrolled, insulin production eventually decreases and causes high blood sugar. This type is also very common in underserved communities.
Once you see a doctor for diabetes, it’s important to understand and monitor your A1C, which measures your average blood sugar levels over the previous three months.
Here are the ranges for A1C levels:
- Normal = Less than 5.6%
- Borderline diabetes/prediabetes = 5.7%-6.4%
- Diabetes = 6.5% and above
Major complications of diabetes include eye problems, foot problems, heart attack and stroke, kidney disease and nerve damage. That’s why it’s so important to get an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Symptoms of diabetes
Here are the most common symptoms of diabetes:
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive hunger and overeating
- Frequent urination
- Vision changes
- Unintentional weight loss
“It can be tricky if your blood sugar creeps up slowly,” Burney explains. “As your body adjusts to increased blood sugar gradually, you tend to experience fewer symptoms – until your body gets overwhelmed by the high sugar levels.”
How to manage diabetes
Burney recommends taking the following steps to manage diabetes or prediabetes:
- Monitor blood sugar early. Watch for signs of insulin resistance in children, especially young teenagers. The younger you are when you develop diabetes, the longer you will be fighting to manage your blood sugar.
- Analyze family traditions and family eating patterns. You often inherit your eating patterns from your family, so it’s beneficial to work with your whole family to make food and lifestyle changes.
- Limit fruit juices and sweetened beverages. Fruit juices and sweetened beverages contain large amounts of added sugar, which can contribute to diabetes.
- Avoid convenient, processed foods. Avoid processed starches (e.g., white rice and white bread), which can elevate blood sugar quickly. Eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible. Shop at farmers markets, where you can buy food from the person who grew it.
- Increase protein intake. Eating protein may help lower your blood sugar and make you feel full longer.
- Focus on moderation. Limit your portions of foods that increase blood sugar. Make small changes gradually. For example, eat one serving of dessert for a special treat.
According to Burney, it’s also vital to develop a partnership with your doctor.
“Find a doctor you trust and can partner with – someone who knows your circumstances and lifestyle,” Burney says. “And be cautious about where you get your health information, since there’s so much misinformation on social media. Check your sources and make sure the information you’re gathering is truthful.”
“I had reservations about some of the long-term effects of the medications I was taking,” says Ella. “But I know Dr. Burney is monitoring my health closely, and I trust her. I’m no longer worried.”
Keeping her health in check
“I feel really good,” Ella says. “I’m happy that Dr. Burney doesn’t just focus on weight loss for diabetes management. She encourages good overall health habits that also help me control my diabetes.”
For example, Burney helped Ella quit smoking, marking the biggest step she’s taken toward improving her health. Not smoking has made it easier for her to manage her blood sugar.
Ella tests her blood sugar every morning to see how it will impact her food choices for the rest of the day. While she enjoys snacking, she is selective about her snack choices, especially at night. She often chooses raw vegetables instead of carbohydrates.
Ella visits Burney regularly to have her A1C checked and to monitor her medications. She also sees her podiatrist for diabetic foot care and her eye doctor for diabetic eye care. She’s very careful to avoid contracting any infections in her feet because she knows they would be slow to heal.
Helping patients thrive
Patients like Ella inspire Burney to do her best work and make a difference in the community.
“I want to help people live longer, healthier lives. It’s why I go to work every day,” Burney says. “If I see you in a situation where I think I can make an impact, I want to try to help you live your best life.”
According to Ella, the key to managing her health and controlling her diabetes has been asking her doctor questions. And her willingness to apply the advice she’s given.
“Ella is proactive and cares about her health,” Burney notes. “She wants to take steps to improve her health and is willing to make the needed sacrifices.”
Your primary care doctor can make personalized recommendations for improving your health. Need a provider? Call us 24/7 at 1-844-235-6997 or make an appointment online.