11/29/2022
Mason City, Iowa; November 29, 2022 – Diabetes affects millions of people in the United States and that number grows every year. It’s never too late to make some small lifestyle changes that could be a big step to managing diabetes.
“Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not make or use insulin the way it should,” said Dr. Mark Johnson, with MercyOne North Iowa Diabetes Endocrinology and Weight Loss. “Insulin is a hormone that is needed to change food into energy needed for daily life.”
That’s why Dr. Johnson said people need to be proactive and control what they can. This includes knowing your A1C blood sugar level and any family history of diabetes.
“It starts with knowing your numbers,” Johnson said. “Knowing and understanding these numbers helps you track your blood sugar levels and map out the best lifestyle choices for your health. The best time to address specifically type 2 diabetes, is before it has developed.”
If you’re overweight with one or more additional risk factors for type 2 diabetes such as sedentary lifestyle or a family history, Dr. Johnson encourages you to ask your doctor about earlier testing.
Other helpful tips to manage your diabetes include:
Learn more about steps to manage diabetes. Dr. Johnson encourages you to share your concerns about diabetes prevention. Your doctor will applaud your efforts to keep diabetes at bay, and perhaps offer additional suggestions based on your medical history or other factors.
Media Contact
Angie Anstine
Regional Communications Lead
641-428-7245
angie.anstine@mercyhealth.com
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