Diabetes experts from AdventHealth share insight and resources with Orange TV

The American Diabetes Association estimates 1.4 million people will be diagnosed with diabetes this year. Board certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, Dr. Damon Tanton specializes in helping patients with diabetes, pre-diabetes and insulin resistance to prevent diabetes when possible and help manage this prevalent disease. He recently shared his expertise on Orange TV’s “Healthy Connections” program, offering a wide range of insight into the three main types of diabetes, recognizing the signs of diabetes, and the importance of early detection, screening and prevention.

While type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that often appears early in life, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, which can be passed on through genetics but also typically occurs later in life after someone has gained weight and if they consume higher amounts of sugar.

Dr. Tanton explained, “Type 2 diabetes is a process that begins 10, 15 or even 20 years before you get the diagnosis – and that’s the problem. But that’s also a good thing because you can anticipate and maybe even prevent or postpone the process.”

“The insulin dictates the disease,” he added. Doctors check insulin levels to measure how hard the body is working to keep sugar levels down; and Dr. Tanton offered some good news for viewers with diabetes. “As long as the pancreas can still produce insulin, the body can reverse diabetes.”

For those living with diabetes, the AdventHealth Thrive Diabetes Program offers free diabetes management support for Orange County Government employees. This voluntary program provides lifestyle education and access to dieticians, nurses, exercise specialists and behavioral therapists to help type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients on their health journey. Family members are also encouraged to join patients for added motivation and support.

Whether you need solo or team support, Laura Stack, outpatient program manager, told Orange TV, “Thrive can help you manager your diabetes and live whole.”