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12/15/2025

Diabetes in December

Diabetes touches us all in some way.  Maybe it’s a friend, a family member, or even you. In 2021, more than 34 million Americans were living with diabetes—and with it comes serious health risks, emotional stress, and costly medical care.

December is full of celebrations, comfort food, and sweets, which makes it a perfect time to revisit what diabetes is, how it affects the body, and what we can do to stay healthy.

What Exactly Is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a condition where your blood sugar (glucose) stays too high. Doctors usually diagnose it using:

  • Fasting blood glucose (126 mg/dL or above on two separate tests)

or

  • A1C test (6.5% or higher), which shows your average blood sugar over 3 months.

High sugar happens because:

  • The body doesn’t make insulin

or

  • The body doesn’t use insulin correctly.

The three main types:

Type I

  • The pancreas doesn’t make insulin because of an autoimmune attack.
  • Often diagnosed in children or young adults, but can appear at any age.
  • Requires insulin.

Type II

  • The body doesn’t use insulin well, or doesn’t make enough.
  • Far more common—and often influenced by lifestyle.

Gestational

  • Occurs during pregnancy when hormones affect insulin use.

 

Why Does Diabetes Happen?

Some risks you’re born with; others you can change.

Unchangeable risks

  • Family history
  • Age
  • Certain ethnic backgrounds (African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
  • Previous gestational diabetes
  • High blood pressure or high cholesterol

Changeable risks

  • Being overweight
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Smoking
  • Prediabetes and insulin resistance
    • These are your early warning signs—and the perfect time to make changes.

 

Signs of High Blood Sugar

Get checked if you notice:

  • Constant thirst
  • Frequent urination (especially at night)
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Blurry vision
  • Frequent infections
  • Slow-healing sores

If symptoms suddenly onset,

  • vomiting
  • stomach pain
  • fruity breath
  • heavy breathing
  • Go to the ER. These could be signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening emergency.

 

What Uncontrolled Diabetes Can Do

CMS defines an A1C of 9% or higher as uncontrolled diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves throughout the body.

This can lead to:

  • Stroke and heart disease
  • Vision loss (cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy)
  • Nerve damage (pain, numbness, digestive issues, sexual dysfunction)
  • Kidney failure
  • Slow wound healing and infections, especially in the feet
  • Amputations
  • Gum disease and tooth los
  • Depression

The key word here is uncontrolled. These complications are preventable.

 

Taking Back Control

Your first step is making an appointment with your primary care provider. Together, you can create a plan tailored to your needs.

Medication

If medication is too expensive or causes side effects:

  • Call your provider
  • Ask about assistance programs, coupons, prior authorizations, or alternatives

They want to help—you just have to tell them.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

Follow your provider’s instructions. You may need checks:

  • Daily
  • Multiple times per day, or
  • Through a continuous glucose monitor

Keep a log of highs, lows, and notes to share during appointments.

Education

Ask your provider about:

  • Local diabetes education classes
  • Online programs
  • Resources from the American Diabetes Association

Food, Holidays, and Real Life

Carbs = sugar. That’s rule number one.

Avoid or limit:

  • White breads, pasta, potatoes
  • Sweets (even fruit contains natural sugar)
  • Sodas
  • Fried, frozen, canned, or processed foods

Choose more:

  • Non-starchy veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce, and green beans
  • Fresh, baked, and high-fiber foods

Holiday treats? You don’t need to completely miss out. Work with your provider or a dietitian to plan how to enjoy them safely.

 

Lifestyle Matters

Healthy habits make a huge difference:

  • Eat balanced meals
  • Exercise regularly
  • Quit smoking
  • Manage stress, pain, and mental health

Many people with Type II diabetes can reach healthy A1C levels with lifestyle changes under medical supervision.

Preventive care also helps:

  • Vaccines
  • Routine screenings
  • Regular follow-ups
  • Emotional support

You don’t have to let diabetes take over your life. Take it one small, manageable change at a time.

 

Jennifer Cruz, RN

 

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