The International Diabetes Federation has declared November 14th to be World Diabetes Day. Diabetes, a chronic disease, is present when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Without proper management, people with diabetes can face serious health complications, including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 29.1 million people in the United States living with diabetes. It is believed that as many as one out of four people do not know they have the disease. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. One out of three adults has prediabetes, a reversible condition that can highly increase your risk of diabetes if not managed.
The workplace shouldn’t be a barrier to diabetes management. Maintaining your safety and health, while challenging due to job tasks and scheduling, is possible with smart planning. For instance, diabetics with jobs that involve physical labor or the operation of machinery should be especially aware of the early warning signs of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. This can cause disorientation and dizziness, creating a serious safety concern. Complications involving the nerves, eyes, and heart arising from diabetes can also affect your health and safety. It is important to regularly test blood glucose, administer insulin, and access food and drink to keep your diabetes in check.
With the following lifestyle changes, diabetes can be managed:
- Enrich your diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Lower the amount of fat, cholesterol, salt, and added sugar.
- Exercise regularly. This improves your body’s use of insulin and lowers your blood sugar levels.
- If you are overweight or obese, aim to lower body fat. Employ healthy, maintainable means to lose weight.
- Use doctor-recommended medications to supplement diet and exercise.
- Closely monitor your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
In addition, diabetics should take short breaks throughout the day to de-stress and move around and commit to healthy choices concerning buying food, packing lunches, and eating snacks. Workplace wellness programs can assist employees with weight loss, smoking cessation, and other health initiatives that can positively impact diabetes risk factors.
The Mount Sinai Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health is a provider of the Center for Disease Control’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, an evidence-based program that can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. To learn more about the program, call us at 212-824-7118.