By Dr. Amanda Meyers-Kuper
It is entirely too common for patients to tell us they have been diagnosed with Diabetes. For those born in the year 2000, it is estimated that 1 in 3 men and 2 in 5 women will have Diabetes1. This is a scary statistic! I fear that instead of being proactive and preventing this statistic from coming true, we as a community have become complacent and simply accept it as true already. But you don’t have to be a part of this statistic. Whether young or old, you can do something about it now!
Diabetes refers to a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is vital to your health because it’s an important source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. It’s also your brain’s main source of fuel2. Some people are born with the inability to properly utilize glucose, others acquire the disease over time due to lifestyle and dietary choices.
Why is Diabetes considered “the silent killer?” Even if you are blessed with a high metabolism and weight is not a concern, it does not give you the ability to binge on sweets without negative consequences. The body has a system in place to regulate blood sugar levels based on what you eat, and also what you don’t eat. If you are not mindful of a proper diet and exercise, this disease can sneak up on you without you even realizing it.
I come from a family plagued with Diabetes. Three of my four grandparents suffered for years, including a grandfather that lost both his feet and one leg up to his knee due to complications that are associated with the disease. If you have diabetes and don’t take care of yourself, amputation is a risk. Other risks that come with “the silent killer” include increased risk of heart attack, neuropathy, vision problems and blindness, kidney disease, stroke, and gastroparesis1.
What can Body Logic do to help you? We can help you move better! One of the leading causes for inactivity in obese patients is pain. Whether it’s back pain, or bad knees, or just “getting old,” pain can make it a struggle to perform physical exercise, or even to be mentally motivated to get into a regular routine. Through chiropractic and massage we help hundreds of people feel better as they move better and continue on to live better.
Additionally, Body Logic offers nutritional counseling. I have furthered my education with a Master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition. It is an area in which I am extremely passionate. Initial consultations are approximately 45 minutes, which allows me to gather a thorough health history. Then I create a game plan based on the patient’s goals, which are different with every patient. They can range from losing weight to wanting improved sleep quality to decreasing constant fatigue. The plan typically includes lifestyle modification and therapeutic supplementation. Between the motivational approach we take within the office and the patient’s drive to make changes, we see some amazing things happen!
If you know someone with Diabetes that could use some help managing the disease, or are interested in knowing how you can prevent yourself from becoming diagnosed with Diabetes, call our office today and get started on a path to a healthier life!
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