Sara Gaul, RN, MSN, is the Population Health Manager at CCMH. Her career in nursing spans 24 years with the last 11 years at CCMH working with diabetes patients.
“My focus is diabetes education and advocating for patients in that realm. I work with two endocrinologists, Dr. Leslie Eiland and Dr. Sydney Blount, from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. They provide a clinic at CCMH the first and third Wednesday of every month via telehealth. Don’t let telehealth scare you. Endocrinology is mostly looking at blood sugars and talking about medications. For our purposes, telehealth works really well. It saves many of our patients trips to Omaha for appointments.”
Living with Diabetes
Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Gaul says diabetes is all about the insulin.
“Either your body can’t produce enough insulin, or it can’t use it effectively. Insulin is the hormone that helps glucose, a type of sugar, enter cells to be used for energy.”
Types of Diabetes
Gaul explained, even though there are several sub-types, there are only two primary types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. About 10 percent of cases are diagnosed as Type 1. More often than not, this is described as juvenile diabetes (JD).
- Type 2 Diabetes: The most common type, about 90% of all diagnosed cases, is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. This type of diabetes is normally diagnosed later in life.
Understanding the Risks
Several factors can increase your risk of developing diabetes. Gaul notes that some of those risk factors are controllable but some are not.
“Genetics or a family history of diabetes, as well as age or ethnicity, can significantly increase your risk but it’s not something any of us has any control over. On the other hand, obesity and a lack of physical activity are things we can control to limit our risks for developing diabetes.”
Symptoms of Diabetes
The symptoms of diabetes can vary. According to Gaul, some common signs include:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Fatigue
Managing Diabetes
For those patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes, there are several strategies to manage your condition, Gaul stated.
“First, a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help regulate blood sugar levels, and then, getting regular physical activity. In addition, your doctor may prescribe insulin or oral medications to help control blood sugar levels. Take those as recommended. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly to track your progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Finally, limit your stress. Stress can impact blood sugar levels, so practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.”
Preventing Diabetes
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent diabetes, Gaul says adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk.
“Maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important. Just a weight loss of seven pounds can significantly reduce your risk. Getting regular check-ups is also important. Participating in the CCMH Community Wellness Event is an affordable and effortless way to do an annual check on weight, blood pressure, and blood tests. Anyone over the age of 21 can go online and sign up today for the event in December.”
By understanding the risks, symptoms, and management strategies of diabetes, you can take proactive steps to protect your health. If you have concerns about your risk or are experiencing any symptoms, consult with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you do not have a primary care provider, contact the CCMH Medical Clinic at 712-265-2700 for an appointment.
Gaul also encourages those who are CCMH patients, and interested in basic diabetes education, to contact her to arrange a consultation by calling 712-265-2700.
