What is Diabetes?
Well, there are a few different forms of Diabetes including pre, Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational. Let’s break each down:
- Pre-Diabetes: The stage before a Type 2 diagnosis. Blood glucose levels are higher than normal. Can be reversed with diet and exercise in many cases.
- Type 1: The body is unable to produce insulin (a hormone that the body needs to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body) on its own. Requires a person to take injections of insulin. A diagnosis usually occurs before the age of 40. Type 1 diabetics make up 5-10% of all diabetes cases.
- Type 2: The body does not make enough insulin, or the body does not respond normally to insulin anymore. Usually occurs in middle aged/older adults. Type 2 diabetics make up 90-95% of the diabetes population.
- Gestational: Develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after childbirth. Usually controlled by diet, however some cases may require insulin for management.
What are some symptoms of untreated diabetes?
In Type 1: weight loss, increased appetite, frequent urination, blurry vision, fruity breath, fatigue, mood swings
In Type 2: frequent urination, extreme fatigue, slow healing cuts/wounds, tingling in hands or feet, blurry vision, increased hunger
Know Your Numbers
If you are regularly checking your blood sugars, you should aim to be between 70-130 mg/dL before meal times and less than 180 mg/dL after meals.
At Jeffery Merkle, MD we are here to help you work through a diagnosis of any one of these diseases. Our main focus is preventing the onset, if able. Call the office to schedule your appointment---even if it just for a refresh!
Medications: https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments
How To Check Your Blood Sugars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7VjbLqkN50
If having trouble with your specific monitor, be sure to bring it in to your appointment with a provider or our Diabetes Team so that we can help you with it.
How to do Insulin Injections: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyGx--K75wM
Recipes:
- https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/
- https://www.diabetes.org/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/
Local Diabetes Help: https://www.atlantichealth.org
Nutrition
Why Should I Meet with a Registered Dietitian?
Registered Dietitians are food and nutrition professionals who have gone through extensive training to pass a national exam and obtain their credentials (through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics). Dietitians can assist in meal planning, weight management, nutrition counseling for various disease states, and so much more. If you are looking to improve your nutrition or work through a medical diagnosis, it is recommended that you meet with a Registered Dietitian to see how your diet can be adjusted for the healthiest you!
About Me:
Mary is a registered dietitian who has been in the field for over 10 years. She has experience in a variety of areas including of hospitals, long-term care facilities, dialysis clinics, and outpatient care. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages and focuses on realistic goal setting while helping others form healthy relationships with food. Mary believes that all foods truly can fit into your diet. She follows a patient centered approach to care and enjoys getting to know her patients and help them come up with individualized plans for their success. She is passionate about combining her love for nutrition with her background in fitness to help clients meet their goals. As a mom of three young children, she understands the demands of a busy schedule and loves helping her patients find a way to be the healthiest version of themselves-- even with the challenges of work and home life.
Services:
We can provide nutrition education and counseling for the following (but not limited to):
- Weight management
- Unintentional weight loss
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Anemia
- Dysphagia
- Food allergies/sensitivities
- Picky eaters Eating Disorders
- Diabetes (prediabetes, new diagnosis or management)
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Kidney Disease
- Osteoporosis Chewing and Swallowing Difficulty
- Specialized diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc.)
Contact us for information on group classes and education sessions.
Tools/Websites: