In addition to talking to your doctor or other health professional, you can find accurate information about diabetes on the American Diabetes Association’s website (https:/diabetes.org). The website includes a diabetes risk test, videos, and other materials to help you learn about diabetes.

Eat Healthy, Stay Active

Many ethnic groups rely on traditional ideas, foods, and cures as remedies for health conditions. It is important to talk with your doctor and health care team about your cultural traditions, practices, and foods so they can work with you to create a plan that incorporates those traditions. For example, plantains, rice, tortillas, yams, potatoes, and other tuber vegetables are traditional foods in many cultures, and they are high in carbohydrates.

Eating too many carbohydrates can contribute to weight gain, high blood sugar, and a higher risk of diabetes. If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist to develop a healthier diet that includes traditional recipes with a variety of vegetables and healthy proteins. Also, if you’re overweight – a risk factor for developing diabetes – talk to your health care provider about simple ways to incorporate more activity into your day.

Work with a Health Professional

Many folks rely on friends and family for medical advice. While they can provide support and understanding, our friends may not have all the information about a specific medical condition or our individual situations. A health professional – doctor, nurse, nutritionist, or health educator – can properly diagnose and help you decide on a treatment plan. Listen to them, not friends or family, for medical advice.

A health professional can test your glucose (blood sugar) levels, which will determine your treatment. They will also discuss your ideal glucose levels and what you can expect if they increase, since high blood sugar can damage your body’s tissues. With proper care, blood glucose can be managed and controlled. You can still use family and friends to support you with your treatment plan, but make sure you get your medical advice from your doctor.

If it is challenging to understand the information from your doctor or health care team, make sure you ask for help to clarify, translate, or access important information such as A1C levels, total blood glucose levels, diet, or physical activity. Request materials and information in your preferred language; bring a family member and a list of your questions to every appointment.

Identify and Track Symptoms of Diabetes

Often, the signs and symptoms of diabetes in its early stages can be easy to miss. They include getting up two or more times at night to urinate, having a dry mouth, or feeling very thirsty even after drinking lots of water or other drinks. You may also notice blurry vision, dry skin, or extreme tiredness. Let your doctor know the frequency of these or other unusual symptoms you feel.

Montefiore offers both free diabetes prevention and diabetes management education for patients, to help achieve a healthier lifestyle. Ask your Montefiore provider if you qualify, and you can still check out our dedicated Diabetes Awareness Month website, which includes additional helpful information: https://www.montefiore.org/diabetes-month. Lastly, enjoy this holiday season while taking charge of your health!

Carlos Tejeda is community health specialist at the Community and Population Health Department at Montefiore Health System.