HEALTH AND WELLNESS
exercise into your daily routine and when you find something that works, stick with it.
3. Maintain good oral health. I'm a producer, but I also like to sing, so my mouth really matters and I pay extra attention to keeping it healthy. The reality is, gum disease could be a bigger issue for me than someone without diabetes. People living with diabetes are two times more likely to develop gum disease, according to the CDC. I make sure to pay extra attention to the products I use. That's why I use Colgate Total toothpaste. Its unique formula is unsurpassed for its ability to prevent and reverse gingivitis, which is the most common form of gum disease.
4. Listen to your doctor ... and your dentist. It's easy to be in denial or want to avoid prediabetic symptoms. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 4 four adults living with diabetes do not know they have the condition. Don't let diabetes sneak up on you. Your mouth is the window into your body, so your dentist can help catch some problems early on. Your dentist may see changes to your oral health that could be indicators of diabetes, such as fungal infections or signs of gum disease. Be sure to listen to your doctor or your dentist early and know your family health history. For some, early treatment of prediabetes can actually return blood glucose levels to the normal range.
5. Create a personalized treatment plan. Everyone's body and symptoms are different. Make sure to work hand-in-hand with your doctor and dentist to implement the necessary changes into your routine and educate yourself on the disease. It was not until I was diagnosed in 2003 that I learned there are a lot of other health issues linked to diabetes, like gum disease. This deep understanding of the disease motivated me even more to ensure that I was managing it accordingly.
6. Build a strong support system. Remember, you don't have to face the everyday realities of diabetes alone. Surround yourself with positive people that will help motivate you, be it friends, family, even an online community like the American Diabetes Association's Facebook page.
For more information and ways to manage the everyday reality of living with diabetes, visit diabetes.org/everydayreality and for information on oral health go to OralHealthAndDiabetes.com.
"Make sure to work hand-in-hand with
your doctor and dentist to implement the necessary changes
into your routine and educate yourself on
the disease. "