You At Your Best

By KareN rice NWa Democrat-Gazette The prevalence of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions around the world, and Arkansas is no exception. The disease has become increasingly widespread here. In fact, according to the Arkansas Department of Health, the state has had higher rates than the national average for the past 20 years. Diabetes diagnoses in our state have increased by 40% in the last decade. Today, 14.8% of Arkansas' adult population suffers from the disease, a rate 50% higher than the 10% national figure. "Arkansas is in what is known as the Diabetes belt, which makes our work at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) extremely important," ADA Director of Development for Arkansas, Malorie Marrs, says. Awareness and management Unfortunately, of the approximately 400,000 Arkansas with diabetes, about 75,000 of them remain undiagnosed. And nearly 800,000 more have prediabetes, and are at risk for developing the disease. And while medical advances have improved life for those who are diagnosed, treatment is a matter of managing, and not curing the disease. "There is no known cure for diabetes. What is risky is when people have great control over their diabetes and think they are 'cured,' however they are not. They have controlled their diabetes very well, which is a good thing, but if they stop taking their medication or interrupt their plan or diet then they are at risk for severe issues," Malorie points out. In fact, diabetes the 6th leading cause of death among all Arkansans. And the 4th leading cause of death among African-Americans. It accounts for nearly 6,000 of all hospitalizations annually in Arkansas. Local resources There are plenty of local resources for those interested in learning more about diabetes. "Diabetes.org is a great tool, as is contacting a local physician or a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)," Malorie says. "We at the ADA are always willing to help with anything." The ADA hosts events such as the annual Kiss a Pig Gala and Tour de Cure cycling event that integrate fun and activity while also being informative and offering outreach across Arkansas. Proceeds from these events are used to fund diabetes research, advocacy and educational programs in Arkansas and nationally. For more information about the Northwest Arkansas chapter of the ADA, visit in person at 1732 Moberly Ln., Suite B in Bentonville. Call (479) 464-4121, or visit diabetes.org Lions Clubs International has also responded to the fast-growing disease with resources and health initiatives aimed at preventing diabetes and improving the quality of life for patients from all walks of life in Arkansas. Council of Governors Chairperson Myrna McGee of Bella Vista, says one of the many important services offered by Lions Clubs is diabetes screening and education. "There are many individuals walking around with diabetes who are not aware. These screening and educational activities help to identify those individuals and get them the proper help they need to live with diabetes," Myrna points out. "If you are unaware that you are diabetic, it will be causing damage all over your body until you are diagnosed and have proper treatment." The local Lions Diabetes Awareness and Service Center also provides help to those who cannot afford their diabetes medications or supplies. For more information, call the local service center and leave a message with your name and contact number. Your call will be returned by a pharmacist on the LDASC Board who will attempt to get you the help you need. The local Lions Diabetes Awareness and Service Center is located at 614 East Emma, Suite 410 in Springdale. Call (479) 756- 8758. The Arkansas Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is a great resource for information and support for children and young adults suffering from type 1 diabetes and their families. One Walk, an annual fundraising event held earlier this month in Fayetteville, raised more than $200,000 for research and advocacy. The Arkansas Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is located at 4241 Gabel Drive, Suite 3B in Fayetteville. Call them at (479) 443-2692 or visit jdrf.org Diabetes in Arkansas Disease without a cure threatens health of area residents 1 Sunburn—the pain causes stress, and stress increases blood sugar levels. 2 Artificial sweeteners—more research needs to be done, but some studies show they can raise blood sugar. 3 Coffee—even without sweetener. Some people's blood sugar is extra- sensitive to caffeine. 4 Losing sleep— even just one night of too little sleep can make your body use insulin less efficiently. 5 Skipping breakfast—going without that morning meal can increase blood sugar after both lunch and dinner. 6 Time of day— blood sugar can be harder to control the later it gets. 7 Dawn phenomenon— people have a surge in hormones early in the morning whether they have diabetes or not. For people with diabetes, blood sugar can spike. 8 Dehydration—less water in your body means a higher blood sugar concentration. 9 Nose spray—some have chemicals that trigger your liver to make more blood sugar. 10 Gum disease— it's both a complication of diabetes and a blood sugar spiker. Watch out for other triggers that can make your blood sugar fall. For example, extreme heat can cause blood vessels to dilate, which makes insulin absorb more quickly and could lead to low blood sugar. If an activity or food or situation is new, be sure to check your blood sugar levels before and after to see how you respond. Source: Centers for Disease Control surprising things that can spike your blood sugar 10 When you first found out you had diabetes, you tested your blood sugar often to understand how food, activity, stress, and illness could affect your blood sugar levels. By now, you've got it figured out for the most part. But then—bam! Something makes your blood sugar zoom up. You try to adjust it with food or activity or insulin, and it dips really low. You're on a rollercoaster no one with diabetes wants to ride. Knowledge is power! Look out for these surprising triggers that can send your blood sugar soaring: 14 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST nOvEmBER - diABETES | SATURdAY, OcTOBER 27, 2018

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