By Jillian Ives, PA, Mosaic Health Ithaca
Diabetes is one of the most common health issues people face today. It happens when your body has difficulty regulating the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. Over time, too much sugar in your blood can lead to serious problems like heart disease, kidney issues, or vision loss. However, the good news is that there are ways to prevent diabetes and manage it if you already have it.
How to Prevent Diabetes
The first step to preventing diabetes is to live a healthy lifestyle. This doesn’t mean you need to go to the gym every day. Just moving your body regularly—like walking, cleaning, or gardening—can help a lot. Staying active helps your body control blood sugar and keeps your weight in a healthy range.
Eating well is also important. Try to eat more foods with fiber, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Choose healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and fish. Cut back on processed foods like chips, soda, and frozen dinners. These foods are high in sugar, salt, and calories, and they don’t give your body the nutrients it needs.
Managing Diabetes Through Diet
If you already have diabetes or are at risk (called prediabetes), eating the right foods can make a big difference. A lower-carb, higher-protein diet can help balance your blood sugar. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks and try to eat smaller portions. Drinking water, choosing lean meats, and filling half your plate with vegetables are great habits to follow.
Patients can work with a registered nurse (RN) care manager at many health centers, including Mosaic Health. These professionals help with meal planning, exercise tips, and checking in on how you’re managing your health. They can support you if you’re on medication, too.
The Role of Weight Loss Medications
In recent years, weight loss medications have become a popular topic. Many of these medications were first used to treat diabetes, but doctors noticed that patients were losing weight too. Now, some versions of the same drugs are approved just for weight loss. Two of the most well-known are Wegovy and Zepbound.
To qualify for these medications, most insurance companies want to see that you have a body mass index (BMI) over 27 and a health condition that could improve with weight loss—such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Some people qualify with a BMI over 30 even without other conditions.
These medications work by helping you feel full longer, so you eat less. Most people take them once a week. Some people feel nauseous or have stomach issues at first, but many adjust over time. Doctors usually start at a low dose and increase it slowly.
People taking these medications often see big results. Some lose 30 or even 40 pounds over six months. But these medications aren’t magic—they work best when combined with healthy eating and regular movement.
Support Is Key
Weight loss and diabetes management don’t have to be done alone. At health centers like Mosaic Health, a team of people is ready to help. Whether you’re looking to prevent diabetes, manage your blood sugar, or lose weight, there are solutions and people to guide you.
Taking the first step—walking more, eating smarter, or asking about new treatments—can make a big difference in your health and future. And don’t hesitate to contact a medical provider. We’re here to help at Mosaic Health.