Diabetes is a serious health problem in the U.S. According to the American Diabetes Association, currently there are seventeen million people with diabetes, with 800,000 new cases diagnosed annually. We recently sat down with registered dietitian and former diabetes educator Rachel Agnew to discuss steps people with diabetes can take to manage their disease.

Wellness Advisor: How do I know if I’m at risk for diabetes?

Rachel Agnew: Diabetes is common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. You are at greater risk of getting diabetes if you: are over 40 years of age, have a family history of diabetes and are overweight. The Wellness Advisor has a tool available, once you become a member, to assess your diabetes risk. Click here to access the tool and to assess your diabetes risk.

WA: How does diabetes affect the body?

Agnew: Diabetes, when uncontrolled, can have a negative impact on the body’s health. Uncontrolled diabetes or high blood sugar can lead to increased free radical production, poor circulation, heart disease, nerve damage and other chronic complications. Increased free radical production, often seen in people with diabetes, can further contribute to these complications.

WA: Do people with diabetes have special nutritional needs?

Agnew: People with diabetes have many of the same nutritional needs as everyone else, but they need to pay close attention to the amount of carbohydrates and calories they consume. All carbohydrates boost blood sugar levels, not just simple sugars, so it’s important you review your total daily carbohydrate count. Recommended amounts of dietary carbohydrates vary, so check with your registered dietitian or health care provider to find out your exact requirements. Counting calories is especially important if you are overweight and your health care provider places you on a weight loss diet.

WA: What role can dietary supplements play in managing diabetes?

Agnew: Antioxidants, such as alpha lipoic acid, selenium and vitamin C, help protect against free radical damage and are particularly important for people with diabetes because of their tendency to experience an increased rate of oxidative stress.

In addition, chromium picolinate has been shown in some studies to help maintain glucose metabolism. Heart health is also a key concern of people with diabetes, and folic acid and vitamin E help maintain a healthy heart.

WA: Can I take dietary supplements in place of my regular glucose medication?

Agnew: Supplements complement a healthy diet and exercise plan while contributing to overall health in diabetes. They are not replacements for prescribed medication. If you’re on a doctor-prescribed drug treatment program, you should consult your physician before making any dietary changes.

WA: How can losing weight help me manage my diabetes or lower my risk?

Agnew: People who are overweight are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Eighty percent of people with type 2 diabetes are obese. Significant improvements in blood sugar control and lipid profiles have been shown with as small as a five percent weight reduction (For example, someone who is 200 lbs, would see benefits with just a 10 lbs weight loss).