Denise McLeod, Minority Health Liaison for Department of Health in Monroe County, joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about diabetes.
November is the National Diabetes month.
McLeod said, “It is a time to bring awareness to diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also known as blood sugar is too high. Diabetes, it can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, and it is also linked to some types of cancer. But all of this is manageable, although it is a serious condition that is listed as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is ranked seventh on our chronic disease illness list in county and we do a lot of walking and bike riding so that, I believe is keeping us staying healthy, and that’s so important for a healthier you.”
A number of factors can contribute to diabetes, but knowing your glucose number is important.
McLeod said, “That’s such an easy test to take. It is very painless. With a very small prick size drop of blood from your finger can determine your glucose numbers with a glucose monitor, and also our healthcare professionals, our PCPs, they can administer an A1C test, and that test, it measures the average amount of glucose levels over a three month period of time. So those two tests are very important and very easy tests to take.”
What life changes might someone need to make if they have diabetes?
McLeod said, “No one wants a chronic illness, but we can manage our illnesses and don’t blame yourself if you have diabetes. It’s not your fault. It can be inherited. Some things that can trigger diabetes includes stress, lack of activity, over eating, and too much weight gain, but acting and adopting a healthier lifestyle we can manage our diabetes. I like to say, don’t panic. You can do a lot to decrease the risk of complications. Eyes, kidney, nerves and heart, these can be complications from diabetes, but stay in contact with your primary care physician, your eye doctor, your dentist, your foot doctor and even maybe you want to connect with a dietitian. These all things can be very helpful in managing a chronic illness. And enjoy your life. Living with diabetes can serve as a motivation to adopt and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Contrary to popular belief, their need for special foods, the key lies in control, control, control, control. Controlling the intake of carbohydrates, portion sizes, fat and salt. Some people say, well, can I no longer eat sweets? Well, we just can’t over indulge in sweets, but you can have it occasionally.”
The Department of Health can help with all of this.
McLeod said, “That’s one of my joys of being a part of the Department of Health. I go right into your community, into your neighborhoods, from Key Largo all the way down to Key West, and we provide health screenings at these Health to You events, and we have probably given out over 500 free blood pressure cuffs as well as glucose monitors. We could continue to do that into the 2025 year. Last year, DOH has been doing a lot to let our community know we would like you to be as healthy as possible. We are working on right now the possibility of receiving an accreditation, to start teaching workshops on diabetes self management courses.”
What are some of the symptoms of diabetes?
McLeod said, “If you urinate just way too much, are very thirsty, losing weight without even trying, staying hungry, even after eating a full meal, experiencing blurry vision, having numbness or tingly hands or feet, feeling tired when you just woke up, or even having very dry skin and sores that heal slowly. These are symptoms of diabetes, so if you are experiencing any of these, please see your PCP or contact Monroe County Health Department. We are here for you. We believe public health is for everyone. And we have three locations, Upper Keys, Middle Keys and Lower Keys and we can be reached on 305-293-7500. Just know that you’re important to us at the Florida Health Department. We are here for you, and I hope you will attend some of our Health to You events in the community and stay on top of your health.”
For more information, click here: https://monroe.floridahealth.gov/index.html