Estimates from the American Diabetes Association suggest that approximately 11.6% of the United States population have diabetes. This estimate includes both diagnosed and undiagnosed cases.
It can feel like no small feat to manage diabetes, espeically for someone who is processing a new diagnosis.
At General Physician, PC, we offer individualized nutrition counseling and diabetes education classes, all led by our expert team of clinical nutritionists and certified diabetes educators. To learn more about diabetes support services offered to GPPC patients, please click here.
Our certified diabetes educators advocate for the following lifestyle tips, across all diabetes cases:
Know Your Numbers
Empower youself to manage your diabetes successfully by working closely with your medical provider. After consulting with your doctor about your blood glucose targets, check them frequently to understand your trends. Your doctor will also check your A1C levels every three months to determine you average blood glucose level. Additionally, regularly check in with your doctor about your blood pressure and cholesterol levels to keep those under control. Knowledge is power, and this will help your diabetes care feel more manageable.
Stay Active
Prioritizing your overall well-being is crucial for a healthy life. Regular exercise, including low-impact activity like a short daily walk, can greatly enhance your physical and mental health. Exercise has numerous health benefits, including improved blood glucose levels, making it an invaluable tool for diabetes management.
Eat Right
Healthy eating is a cornerstone of effective diabetes management. By choosing nutrient-dense foods such as leafy greens, berries, whole grains, and healthy fats, you can harness the power of nutrition to regulate blood glucose levels and optimize overall well-being.
Take a Diabetes Education Class
GPPC offers Diabetes Education Classes for members of the community who are looking to enhance their disease management with the support of a specialist. To make it more convenient for attendees, we offer both in-person and virtual classes. Our courses offer a relaxed, low-stress setting to focus on:
- How your diet impacts your diabetes
- How to plan healthy meals and snacks
- Exploring various types of medications and treatments
- How to interpret your blood glucose and A1C readings
- How to cope with stress
For more information or instructions on how to register, please click here: www.gppconline.com/specialties/clinical-support/nutrition-services
Above All, Don't Stress
Living with diabetes can be challenging and at times, feel emotionally draining. It's normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious. Just remember, you're not alone in this journey.
If you're struggling to cope, don't hesitate to reach out to your primary care provider. Your primary care provider is here to support you, not just your physical health, but also your emotional well-being.
If you're not satisfied with the support you're receiving from your health care team, then it might be time to switch primary care providers. GPPC is one of the largest medical groups serving Western New York, and many of our skilled primary care providers are accepting new patients. You can review a full list of our providers here (linked).
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