November 4, 2022
It was November 1975 when the American Diabetes Association (ADA) first declared November National Diabetes Awareness Month. While diabetes is a common condition among Americans, there are still many Americans that are unaware of what diabetes is, who is at risk, and what chronic conditions can result from the disease. For example, most Americans with diabetes have Type 2, which is highly preventable with diet, exercise, education, and understanding of the disease. As Director of Wellness at Vitalia Senior Residences at Strongsville, it is up to me to spread awareness and provide education for diabetes.
The main difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is that Type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition that often shows up early in life. Type 2 is mainly lifestyle related and develops over time. Some early signs and symptoms of diabetes include urinating often, feeling very thirsty, feeling very hungry, even though you are eating, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, and cuts and bruises that are slow to heal.
Comorbidities that could arise because of diabetes are obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, mental health, sleep disorders, and cancer.
Some lifestyle changes that can be made to decrease the risk of diabetes include reducing your total carb intake, exercising regularly, drinking water as your primary beverage, trying to lose excess weight, quit smoking, and reducing your portion sizes.
Diabetes is known to influence the patients’ physical, social, and psychological well-being. Poor diet, lack of physical activities, and poor self-monitoring of glucose levels are some of the most common obstacles faced by diabetic patients.
We support our residents that have diabetes by administering medications, encouraging residents to follow self-care practices, like physical activity, monitoring blood sugar, and providing proper nutrition to manage carbohydrate and fat intake.
It is important to know the signs and symptoms of diabetes. The Wellness Team of Vitalia Senior Residences at Strongsville is highly trained to recognize, educate, and help with the prevention of diabetes. We are also skilled with assisting residents currently afflicted with the disease.
VITALIA® Strongsville in Strongsville, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Southwest General Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Mallard Creek, Southpark Mall, Strongsville Historical Society, The Greens of Strongsville Shopping , and Don’s Pomeroy House.
