Diabetes Rises Despite Dip in the HudsonValley
Home to some of the best pizzerias, star-studded candy shops and family-owned bakeries, the Hudson Valley is jam-packed with every foodie’s dream delectables. All would be considered good news, but according to a recent statistic from the CDC, diabetes is on the rise in the United States. Despite a dip in cases in the Hudson Valley, the cozy New York area won’t escape the climb.
Diabetes is a complex multi-system endocrine disease that can affect nearly every organ in the body. According to Dr. Nancy Rennert, endocrinology specialist from Nuvance Health, people with diabetes and their family and friends, “need to consider everyday situations such as what they will eat, activity level, stress, and so much more.”
While taking everyday actions into account can seem overwhelming, technology in recent years has made diabetes manageable. For those recognized by doctors as potentially pre-diabetic, continuous glucose monitors or test strips may be the way to go. While pricey, the Freestyle Libre and newly announced, Dexcom G7, are great tools for advancing diabetes management.
“CGMs are game changers for people with diabetes,” said Rennert. “It is important to keep track of sugars and to prevent swings (highs and lows). Prior to CGMs, glucose was checked with finger sticks and a meter. This provides a few readings a day at most and is very inconvenient for patients–plus it hurts!”
Continuous glucose monitors are miniature devices with a microneedle that settles just below the skin. According to Rennert, the needle reads interstitial fluid, the “fluid found in the space around cells,” and it then sends alerts to your phone or device depending upon the blood sugar readings.
“It is very empowering for people with diabetes to know their sugar levels at all times and so many “ah ha” moments develop where they can see what foods cause their sugars to spike,” said Rennert. “Patients can choose to share their data with friends, family as well as their healthcare providers.”
There is a spectrum when it comes to those on track to develop diabetes; it is a multi-step process that isn’t always controllable. However, with a strong exercise routine and a diet that involves watching both added sugars and carbohydrates, patients may be able to ward off early signs of diabetes. Dr. Rennert shares that it is also important to understand that “food has special significance to people and is often related to cultural, ethnic, religious and social specifics as well as perhaps food access/insecurity. We do not recommend a specific diet, rather, we encourage healthy eating that is consistent with the person’s individual preferences.”
Your favorite Hudson Valley diners, drive-ins and sweets shops don’t have to go away, but mindful eating may allow residents to enjoy in a responsible and healthy way. Now more than ever, it is important that we take good care of our bodies.
We’re used to the cold and flu seasons, but with COVID sliding up alongside these horrible respiratory infections, it is important to improve and promote our endocrine health. Hearing a diagnosis involving your endocrine system like diabetes, pre-diabetes and reactive hypoglycemia can be alarming. Working together with the community, doctors and making good use of the tools and technologies around us may benefit our foodie valley as we enter a new season.
