Learn More about Diabetes during National Diabetes Awareness Month

As of this year, diabetes affects a little over 30 million Americans with 84 million people diagnosed with pre-diabetes. These numbers continue to rise, so needless to say this is a topic in need of great care and attention.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and November 14^th is World Diabetes Day, which makes now a great time to learn more about diabetes so you can lower your risk factors.

What is diabetes?

Formally referred to as diabetes mellitus, it comes down to having blood sugar levels that are too high. There are some variations since there are different types a person can have.

Type 1– This type is an autoimmune disorder that is usually diagnosed during childhood or young adulthood. Unfortunately, there are no preventive measures that can be taken. In this type, the pancreas produces too little insulin, if any. Insulin is an important hormone your body uses to let sugar (glucose) enter your cells for energy. Without enough insulin, your body struggles to absorb glucose, leaving it in your blood. Therefore, this type is often referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes.

Type 2– This type often develops as the result of certain lifestyle choices, such as diet. The hallmark of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance. You’re either not producing enough insulin or the insulin you are producing is not working effectively (resistance). The pancreas continues to push out insulin in an effort to lower blood sugar levels.

Gestational– This type can occur in 2-5% of pregnancies in women with no history of diabetes. In this type, the body does not produce enough insulin to properly maintain blood sugar levels while pregnant. Screening for this type usually takes place at the 24 – 28 weeks mark.

Symptoms of Diabetes

As with anything, there are a few signs and symptoms to be aware of. By paying close attention to your body, you may be able to pick up some clues if you have diabetes. This is important because the sooner you catch it, the better you can work to live healthfully with it.

- Excessive thirst and hunger
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Slow-healing wounds
- Irritability
- Fatigue

If you’re concerned or experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be worthwhile to visit your doctor for a check-up. Blood work (namely testing your hemoglobin A1C levels), exploring family history, and considering any other risk factors you may have can help you and your doctor to understand where you are.

3 Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes

While it could be challenging to prevent diabetes if your genetics set you up for it, it’s not impossible! With certain dietary and lifestyle adjustments, you can decrease your chances of developing diabetes.

1. Healthy food choices– Aim to include plenty of colorful fruits and veggies, whole grains, legumes, lean meats, and fish in your diet. Limit the amount of processed foods you eat, especially those loaded with refined sugars and fats (such as cakes, cookies, and chips).

2. Get your body moving! – Exercising for just 30 – 60 minutes a few days a week can make all the difference. You don’t have to do anything overly intense; simply going for a walk is a perfect option!

3. Moderation is key – Sweets aren’t off the table for good. You can still enjoy the occasional treat, so long as it’s that: occasional. Moderate yourself and check your blood sugar levels to make sure you’re in the clear.

Remember, it’s never too early or too late to get control of your health.

Struggling with High Blood Sugars?

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