BURLINGTON, N.C. — Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important but it is even more crucial if you live with diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association, over one million people have been diagnosed in North Carolina including one Burlington woman we spoke with.
She shared the steps she took to help manage her diabetes.
Altheria Stokes was in her 30s when she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1998.
"I had symptoms like the room was spinning, I didn't know what was going on. I then told my doctor and she scheduled me an appointment then I found out I was a diabetic," Stokes said.
Increased urination, weight loss, and high blood sugar are other symptoms doctors say a patient can have.
Stokes said she felt dizzy during that time, and doctors encouraged her to make lifestyle changes.
"At first I was like I didn't know how to eat once I found out I was diagnosed, so then I did my research and my doctor explained to me and gave me some information on diabetes and what to eat," Stokes said.
She traded things like rice, potatoes and corn for healthier choices such as baked foods and vegetables.
Dr. Eno Newlin who works within Cone Health's Community Health and Wellness Center said when a person is diagnosed with diabetes exercise and the amount of food a person takes in is key.
"How much of carbohydrates intake are you having? How much sweets are you taking in?"
Newlin said doctors push for a MyPlate method consisting of a 9-inch plate divided into four compartments.
"We recommend that one part of that compartment or that section should be your carbohydrates and the other one quarter would be mostly protein, then the other half the two remaining quarters would be fruits and vegetables," Stokes said.
She said this helps you take the right steps, see your doctor regularly, and get on medication.
Medication is what Stokes is currently on to help manage her diabetes. She said when she was first diagnosed she suffered from depression, but making the right lifestyle changes helped her manage her diabetes well. In fact, that's her advice to others.
"Don't let diabetes get you down, exercise eat right and take your medication," Stokes said.