Understanding Diabetes: Small Steps, Big Difference
Recognizing World Diabetes Day – November 14
Each November, people across the globe recognize World Diabetes Day—a day that shines a light on a condition affecting millions. But at Culbertson Memorial Hospital, this day isn’t just about awareness. It’s about action, understanding, and hope.
For Dr. Carlos Urdininea Kirkwood, FACP, an internal medicine specialist at Culbertson, diabetes care is deeply personal. On the first Friday of every month, his exam room becomes a space for conversations—real ones—about small steps, new habits, and fresh starts.
“Diabetes doesn’t define who you are,” Dr. Carlos says. “It’s something we can manage together—with knowledge, compassion, and healthy habits.”
A Common Condition, A Shared Journey
It’s hard to overstate how widespread diabetes has become. More than 38 million Americans are living with the condition, and nearly 100 million more are at risk of developing it. That’s almost half the adult population in the U.S. The numbers can sound daunting, but to Dr. Carlos, they represent opportunity—the chance to change lives through early detection, education, and care. “Sometimes, patients come in worried, thinking diabetes means their life is over,” he says. “But the truth is, it can be the start of a new chapter—a healthier one.”
Breaking Down the Myths
Part of that new chapter begins with understanding what diabetes actually is. Dr. Carlos spends much of his time helping patients separate fact from fiction.
Myth: “Diabetes only happens if you’re overweight.”
Fact: Weight can play a role, but genetics, age, and other health factors matter too.
Myth: “Eating sugar causes diabetes.”
Fact: It’s not that simple. The real issue is how the body processes glucose. A balanced diet helps keep levels in check.
Myth: “If I need insulin, I’ve failed.”
Fact: “Needing insulin doesn’t mean failure,” says Dr. Carlos. “It just means your body needs a little help—and insulin is one of the best tools we have.”
Clearing up these misconceptions helps patients feel empowered, not judged—and that’s where real progress begins.
The Two Faces of Diabetes
While every patient’s story is different, diabetes generally comes in two main forms—with one shared goal: control.
Type 1 Diabetes
This autoimmune condition happens when the body’s immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. It’s not caused by diet or lifestyle, and it can’t be prevented—but it can be managed effectively.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body doesn’t use insulin properly or doesn’t make enough of it. It’s the most common type and often linked to lifestyle choices and genetics.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
For many people, diabetes creeps in quietly. The early symptoms can be easy to overlook: frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, blurry vision, or slow-healing cuts.
“A simple blood test can tell us a lot,” Dr. Carlos says. “Catching it early can make all the difference.”
At Culbertson, routine screenings are a cornerstone of care. It’s part of what makes our approach feel proactive rather than reactive, by emphasizing prevention as much as treatment.
Prevention Through Everyday Choices
Ask Dr. Carlos what works best for diabetes prevention, and he’ll tell you it’s not about drastic diets or impossible routines—it’s about steady, sustainable change.
“You don’t need perfection,” he says. “You just need progress. Every healthy choice counts.”
His go-to advice for prevention includes:
- Maintaining a healthy weight (even modest weight loss can lower risk).
- Getting 30 minutes of activity a day—walking, gardening, or dancing all count.
- Eating for balance: fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Quitting smoking.
- Staying up-to-date with checkups and lab tests.
The Power of Movement
Exercise is one of the most effective tools for managing or preventing diabetes—and it doesn’t require a gym membership. Even a short walk after dinner can help stabilize blood sugar and boost energy. A mix of aerobic activities and light strength training works best. The goal is to find movement that feels natural and enjoyable—because that’s the kind you’ll stick with. “Think of it as medication in motion,” Dr. Carlos says with a smile. “Except this one comes with better moods and fewer side effects.”
Family: The Unsung Hero in Diabetes Care
Behind every patient, there’s often a family quietly navigating the journey alongside them. Dr. Carlos sees this dynamic every day—and he encourages families to be active participants. That might mean learning how to plan balanced meals, going for walks together, or simply offering encouragement instead of criticism.
Inside Culbertson’s Approach: Personalized, Compassionate Care
What truly sets Culbertson Memorial Hospital apart is the way diabetes care feels—personal, compassionate, and collaborative.
For many patients, appointments with Dr. Carlos feel more like conversations than clinical visits. He listens closely, celebrates progress, and helps patients set realistic goals they can build on. It’s an environment where small victories are noticed and celebrated—because in the journey with diabetes, those victories add up. “My greatest joy,” Dr. Carlos says, “is seeing a patient completely turn his or her life around—and knowing our team played a small part in that change. There’s no better feeling.”
Take the Next Step
If you have questions about diabetes, want to know your risk, or need support managing your condition, Dr. Carlos and his team are here to help. He sees patients at Culbertson Memorial Hospital on the first Friday of every month. Schedule an appointment now by calling 217-322-5251.