Healthwatch 06.05.13
JACKSON, TN: Doctor’s see a significant spike in cases of type two diabetes. Experts say one in four seniors suffer from the life-changing disease. Experts estimate about twelve percent of Tennesseans have diabetes. Most of cases are type two diabetes…which is a chronic condition that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar. When people get to be in their 50s and in their 60s, they are generally diagnosed with type two diabetes however the age is getting earlier and earlier every year. Doctor’s say a few lifestyle changes can lower your chances for type two diabetes. Candice Jones was diagnosed in 2008. Jones said, ” It started when my vision was very blurry. my blood sugar was 463 before i even knew that i had diabetes.” A normal blood sugar level ranges 70 to 100..for Candice…the diagnosis mean she needed to make changes in her life. Eating a low calorie diet with limited starch and exercising at least three times a week can not only help manage diabetes…it can also prevent it. A lot of studies show that if you keep your weight within normal limits with your height and then exercise, that can prevent or certainly delay diabetes from occurring. The LIFT Wellness Center will hold a “sugar run” Saturday, June 8Th to benefit the American diabetes association. After the run, a guest speaker will talk about how to keep your blood sugar levels under control. For more information, contact Melissa Walls at the LIFT.
