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Diabetics supply in San Diego
Sunflower

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how an individual's body turns food into energy.

There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. 

Causes

 Here are some of the factors that can increase your risk of developing diabetes.

  • Age: Your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases as you get older.

  • Family history: If you have a family history of diabetes, you are more likely to develop the condition.

  • Weight: Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

  • Physical activity: People who are physically inactive are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

  • Race/ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than Caucasian Americans.

  • Certain medications: Some medications, such as steroids, can increase your risk of developing diabetes.

  • Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can increase your risk of developing diabetes.

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Treatments

There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed with proper treatment. The type of treatment needed depends on the type of diabetes an individual has.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, so there is no way to prevent it. However, there are ways to manage it. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and make sure to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented by making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. However, if you already have type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes may not be enough to control your blood sugar levels. In this case, you may need to take medication or insulin injections.

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but it can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. If you have gestational diabetes, your doctor will likely recommend that you make lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. In some cases, you may also need to take medication.

No matter what the type of diabetes is, it is important to work with a doctor to create an individualized treatment plan. Here are some of the things to help manage diabetes:

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  • Eat a healthy diet: This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also means limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.

  • Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

  • Maintain a healthy weight: If overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes complications.

  • Monitor your blood sugar levels: This will help to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range.

  • Take medication as prescribed: If taking medication, it is important to take it as prescribed by the doctor.

          See doctor regularly: This will allow the doctor to monitor progress and make sure that the treatment plan is working.

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Shoe Accommodations

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  • Light Weight Outsole: All day comfort, increased durability.

  • Padded Collar: Prevent possible irritation where the material meets the ankle.

  • Padded Tongue: Prevents foot slippage and ensures proper fit.

  • No Metal: Metal can often irritate and damage the skin, and in rare cases, sewing needles and staples may accidentally be left in shoes and, in turn, cause serious damage. 

  • Extra Depth: Accommodates for swelling, and placement of orthotic/insert (5/16 in extra depth)

  • Protective Toe Box: Protects toes

  • Shank: Adds extra support to arch area of shoe

  • Heel Counter: Provides maximum foot support by cradling the heel to reduce over-pronation and prevent heel slippage

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