Being Organized Helps People With Diabetes Live Healthier Lives
The problem: From hospital stays to glucose test strips, people with
diabetes spend an average of 500 percent more on medical expenses every
year, compared to Americans without the disease. More than $1 of every
$10 spent on health care in America is attributed to diabetes.
A solution: Many doctors recommend
that those individuals who are afflicted with diabetes practice simple
self-management techniques, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising,
monitoring blood sugar levels and, in some cases, taking medication. Not
only does self-management empower the patient to take control of the disease,
it can also reduce medical expenses such as averting unexpected trips
to the emergency room. In 2002, more than $91.8 billion was spent on diabetes-related
medical expenses, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
Living with diabetes means
the body does not produce a sufficient amount of insulin or can’t
effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone needed to
convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy needed for daily life.
Some complications that can result from diabetes include: heart disease,
stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease, blindness, nervous system
disorders and amputations.
"Although regular doctor’s visits are important
to managing diabetes, taking on the responsibility to self-manage the
disease on a day-to-day basis is critical,” said James A. Horbowicz,
who has lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 30 years and is Chair
of the Board for the American Diabetes Association. “Patients who
diligently manage their condition can enjoy better long-term health.”
The key to successful self-management
is organization. Many doctors recommend diabetes patients keep daily records
of their diet, appointments, exercise routines and medications using a
notebook or journal. Patients often use personal planners or diaries to
monitor their condition. Others keep a folder with slips of paper and
notes.
The key benefit of organization is that there is a central
location for tracking all the details a person with diabetes monitors
on a daily basis. By comprehensively monitoring the disease, individuals
can change the way they live with their disease.
“According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC),
for every $1 invested in learning to self-manage diabetes, you can reduce
your healthcare costs by as much as $8.76. An organizational tool is a
relatively small investment that can provide a big benefit in living an
active life with diabetes.”
