Prevention is the most important intervention in our wellness planning. Diabetes like most chronic metabolic illness provides warning signals before being diagnosed. These may be a blood glucose value above the upper limit of normal after a meal or when hospitalized. It may be an experience of 'hypoglycemia' with sweating and lightheadedness a few hours after a starchy meal. It may be unexplained mood swings that are noticed by friends and family members. The physician may comment on 'high triglycerides' on the cholesterol profile. Such hints and clues, particularly in a patient who has close relatives with diabetes mellitus should sound the alarm to make lifestyle changes and change behaviors.
The role of the physician is to identify these signs and symptoms of 'prediabetes' and to interpret them for the patient, emphasizing the need to make changes in diet and activity. Weight control is key. Adequate rest with quality sleep should not be neglected. Exercise should be planned. Diet education is needed.
The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) incorporates many of these strategies into a one-year comprehensive interactive group education model that after being confirmed in its effectiveness, is now being offered at health care establishments across the nation.
The Diabetes Institute at Ohio University has been operating a very successful DPP program over many years. Led by Karen Bailey, RD , the program recently graduated one more class which completed the life-changing curriculum.
Attendees at the celebration described the health benefits of the changes they incorporated in their lifestyle as they implemented the teachings provided.
DPP Graduates 2018 with Karen Bailey RD (right) and Dr. Nicholas Mezitis
The message is clear: the onset of diabetes can be delayed , if not fully prevented, through nutritious meals and adequate exercise that promotes weight control. Reducing stress, getting adequate sleep and avoiding large meals after 4 PM are likewise fundamental pieces of the new lifestyle.
