Tools and Tips for Managing Diabetes at Work
Millions of Americans are heading back to the office. For many people that means planning childcare, plotting out commutes, and (yikes!) wearing clothing that is more than pajamas.
Millions of Americans are heading back to the office. For many people that means planning childcare, plotting out commutes, and (yikes!) wearing clothing that is more than pajamas.
While there are different opinions about where this quote comes from, these words of wisdom are hard to dispute. If you are the parent or caregiver to a child or adolescent with a chronic illness, including the approximately 210,000 Americans under age 20 estimated to have diagnosed diabetes, these words can be particularly meaningful.
Think about the hard stuff you’ve faced in your life—and we know there’s been plenty! Whatever you’ve gone through, you probably noticed that dealing with it was easier with the support of someone who understands, doesn’t judge, and finds ways to help.
If you have diabetes, or are actively trying to avoid developing it, you’ve probably heard of a blood test called the A1C. The hemoglobin A1C test is the gold standard for measuring blood sugar because it tracks glucose over 2 to 3 months.
Remember when you were a kid and that skinned knee seemed to fix itself overnight, with the help of a couple of Mickey Mouse Band-Aids, of course? Unfortunately, adult wounds can take longer to heal. That can be because of the severity of the wound as well as underlying health issues.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, live with someone who has diabetes, or care for someone who has the condition, get ready to learn a whole new vocabulary! From A1C to xylitol, there are lots of new words to remember!
When we think about diabetes self-care, we usually think about monitoring blood sugar, taking medication, and counting carbs. These are all critical for effectively managing diabetes, but there are two other “things” you also need to think about—your feet!
Did you know that having diabetes can also lead to complications with your teeth and gums? Doctors say that the higher the level of glucose in your blood, the higher your risk for dental problems. In fact, about 20% of all tooth loss is linked to diabetes.
If you are living with diabetes, your healthcare providers are probably also keeping an eye on your cardiovascular health.
If you’ve found your way to this blog post, you may already know the basics about how diabetes works. But just so we are all on the same page, let’s do a quick review.