Experts in the health field are calling diabetes a growing epidemic that is taking a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on our country. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates that 21 million people in the United States have diabetes and—perhaps even more startling—more than 8 million don’t know it. More bad news is that an estimated 37 percent of Americans 20 years old or older have pre-diabetes. And what’s the number one risk factor, according to the CDC? Being overweight or obese.
Getting help and finding hope
Yet as frightening as those facts are, there is hope and help for those facing pre-diabetes or who already have the disease. And it starts with a health assessment at Mirabile M.D. Beauty, Health & Wellness.
“Education is key,” says James Mirabile, M.D., founder and on-site physician at the wellness center in Overland Park. “When a patient is at risk for pre-diabetes, one of the first and most important steps is to lose weight.
Even losing a few pounds can make a big difference.”
In fact, according to the Weightloss website, as little as a 5-10 percent decrease in body weight can improve insulin action, decrease fasting glucose concentrations, and reduce the need for some diabetes medications. Overweight individuals who lose as little as 10-15 pounds and exercise at least 30 minutes a day five times a week can reduce their risk of developing diabetes by nearly 60 percent.
The ADA and Weightloss
go hand in hand
The American Diabetes Association lists several ways to lose weight and keep it off including setting realistic goals, keeping a record of caloric intake, checking
your weight at least once a week and creating a
support system.
“These steps align perfectly with our Weightloss program,” says Dr. Mirabile. “Our patients commit to a weekly meeting with our team, which consists of nutritionists, registered nurses and counselors.
Scaling back, moving forward
Each visit begins with stepping on a body composition scale that measures not just weight but how your weight breaks out into fat, lean muscle and water. Since fat loss is the goal of the program, the body composition scale gives a true measurement of progress. Then the counselor goes over the patient’s food journal to determine what worked—or didn’t work—during the week. And, helps the patient plan for the week ahead.
Here’s where the all-important support system comes in, according to Dr. Mirabile. “Our counselors are passionate about nutrition and incorporate the principles of our program into their own daily lives. They can offer tips on healthy snacks, quick and easy recipes to try at home, or make suggestions on what to order while dining out.”
And because this proven program isn’t a one-size-fits-all, the counselors tailor their advice based on the patient’s individual lifestyle and goals. “For instance,” says Charidy Matney, a counselor who has been with Weightloss since it’s opening, “Joan’s job requires her to attend evening functions several times a week. She had a hard time facing a buffet packed with high-calorie foods. So I suggested she have a high-protein but filling snack—such as a wedge of low-fat cheese wrapped in turkey—before going to the event, and ordering club soda and lime instead of a cocktail.”
Joan calls Charidy “my biggest cheerleader and the person who hands out tough-love when I need it.
I look forward to our weekly visits.”
Set your calendar for November 14
Consider World Diabetes Day, November 14, your trigger to start a course toward good health.
Schedule an assessment with the wellness team at Weightloss to assess your risks.
Remember that people with pre-diabetes are on the road to develop type 2 diabetes within several years, and are also at increased risk for serious health problems, such as stroke and heart disease.
There are some pre-diabetes risks you can’t control, like age and family history. But there are things you can do to reduce your risk, such as weight loss and increased physical activity, which can be as simple as walking for half an hour every day. Making these lifestyle changes can also help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Good health starts early
The diabetes epidemic is affecting teenagers as well as adults. What can a concerned parent do to help a child at risk? According to Dr. Mirabile, “The Weightloss program is suitable for males and females 18 or over, but in some cases we do see younger patients who medically qualify. Of course, in those cases we require parental authorization.”
In fact, Dr. Mirabile makes it convenient to share the road to good health with loved ones. Ask about the Weightloss family plan for special savings.
To set up your free assessment, call the nutrition and weight loss experts at Weightloss. 913.888.7546.
