Published: May 28, 2009 10:40 pm      

Diabetes control requires commitment, strategy

EDMOND — When you have diabetes, it can seem like all the world’s a candy store, and you’re on the outside with your nose pressed to the window.

Yet it’s awareness — not deprivation — that is the key to controlling your diabetes, said Dr. Matthew Draelos, board certified endocrinologist and owner of the Draelos Metabolic Center in Edmond.

“Knowledge is the key to helping people with diabetes control their disease,” he said. “When a person truly understands what diabetes is, how it affects them physically and emotionally, and how to properly handle the ups and downs of diabetes self-management, their health significantly improves.”

Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and millions more have the disease without being aware of it. Of those who have been diagnosed, about half do not have their disease under good control.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart disease, blindness, heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, kidney failure and significant neuropathy (nerve damage), which often results in amputation of the feet and legs.

Effective diabetes control requires a strong commitment from the patient and strong collaboration with a diabetes specialist, as well as a diabetes educator and/or registered dietitian. It is important to develop an appropriate eating and exercise plan, as well as a plan for appropriate overall lifestyle changes, for each individual.

New diabetes patients at the Draelos Metabolic Center are thoroughly evaluated, both through physical exams and extensive questioning about their diet and lifestyle habits.

“Understanding a patient’s past medical history and how they are currently managing their diabetes is very important if we are to help them gain better control,” said Karon Potter, a certified diabetes educator who counsels Draelos Metabolic Center patients on diabetes management. “We take into account each patient’s individual health goals, lifestyle and living situation when recommending treatment regimens.”

Old myths — such as that people with diabetes can never eat sugar — still persist. Potter explained that’s why it is important to ensure patients are briefed on the latest information about the disease and its care.

“There is no ‘diabetic diet’ per se,” Potter said. “The healthiest diet for people with type 2 diabetes is the same diet that’s best for everyone — eating a wide variety of foods every day, including items from all the major food groups on the Food Pyramid.” Where most people fall short, she said, is in their consistency, portion control and timing.

“If you have diabetes, you need to eat about the same amount every day and at about the same times every day,” Draelos said. “You should never skip meals or go for more than four or five hours during the day without eating.”

In addition, he said, people raised on “super-sized” meals often have trouble downsizing their portions. A healthy serving of meat, for instance, is about the size of a deck of cards, while a serving of pasta should be no more than about half the size of a tennis ball.

With the help of your team, you can learn to avoid common pitfalls and temptations by planning ahead for things like parties or special events.

“People with diabetes need to work with their health-care team to understand how food and exercise affect their blood sugar control and other health parameters,” Potter said. “What works for another person with diabetes may not work for you. Once you know how you are individually affected, then you can make diet and exercise choices that help maintain better control of the disease and your overall health.”

The support of family and friends is critical for anyone struggling with a chronic illness, and it is doubly so for people with diabetes. Draelos recommends talking to family and friends so that they can become aware and supportive of your diabetes control efforts. If you can’t find the support you need in family or friends, local and online support groups and organizations like the American Diabetes Association can be great sources of help.