More than 37 million Americans have diabetes. In Miami-Dade County, diabetes rates are higher than the national average, especially in Black and Latinx communities.
Diabetes is serious, but it’s manageable. With the right support, people with diabetes live long, healthy lives.
Understanding Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes: Your body doesn’t produce insulin. Usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Requires insulin for life.
Type 2 Diabetes: Your body doesn’t use insulin properly. Usually develops in adults, often linked to weight, inactivity, and genetics. Sometimes managed with lifestyle changes; sometimes requires medication or insulin.
Prediabetes: Blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet diabetes. Reversible with lifestyle changes.
Why It Matters
Uncontrolled diabetes leads to:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Kidney failure
- Vision loss and blindness
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Amputations
- Infections and slow healing
The good news: managing blood sugar prevents these complications.
How to Manage Diabetes
- Monitor Blood Sugar
Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor recommends. Know your target range and what causes highs and lows.
- Take Medications as Prescribed
Skipping doses or stopping medication causes dangerous blood sugar swings. If you can’t afford medications, patient assistance programs exist—ask your doctor or call us.
- Eat Healthy
Focus on:
- Non-starchy vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, peppers)
- Lean proteins (chicken, fish, beans)
- Whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat bread)
- Healthy fats (nuts, avocado, olive oil)
Limit: sugary drinks, white bread/rice/pasta, fried foods, sweets.
- Stay Active
Aim for 30 minutes of movement most days. Walking counts. Exercise lowers blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity.
- Manage Stress
Stress raises blood sugar. Find healthy coping strategies: deep breathing, walking, talking to friends, counseling.
- See Your Doctor Regularly
Annual eye exams, foot checks, kidney function tests, and A1C blood tests (shows average blood sugar over 3 months).
When Diabetes Feels Overwhelming
Managing diabetes is hard. Checking blood sugar, counting carbs, taking medications, worrying about complications—it’s a lot.
Diabetes distress and burnout are real. If you’re feeling overwhelmed:
- Talk to your doctor about simplifying your regimen
- Join a diabetes support group
- Work with a diabetes educator or health coach
- Ask for help from family and friends
Five Health’s Diabetes Management Program
We provide:
- Free blood sugar monitors and test strips
- One-on-one health coaching
- Medication adherence support
- Help accessing affordable healthy food
- Connection to endocrinologists and diabetes educators
- Group education and support sessions
Call info@5-health.com or 305-354-9295 to enroll.
You don’t have to manage diabetes alone.
| Subscribe to our newsletter for quarterly updates |
