Get Cooking to Stop Diabetes

Diabetes is a life altering disease that affects nearly 30 million adults and children nationwide and costs the United States approximately 245 billion dollars in diagnosed cases.  In an initiative to raise awareness of this ever growing disease, the American Diabetes Association has created American Diabetes Month, which takes place each November and is a way to get communities to come together to stop diabetes.

I know you are probably aware that diabetes exists. But do you know what it is exactly?  Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults.  Individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin, the hormone necessary for maintaining your blood sugar, so it is necessary that they supply their bodies with insulin through injections.  Type 2 diabetes is the more common form of the disease, encompassing 95% of all diagnosed cases.  This form of diabetes is typically diagnosed later in life, as it occurs from the body’s decreased ability to either produce insulin or use it properly.  One of the reason type 2 diabetes is so prevalent is largely due to the widespread obesity epidemic, as the decline in insulin production and sensitivity is related to decreased physical activity, poor eating habits, overweight and obesity.  The childhood obesity epidemic also contributes to the increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes among children.

This month, American Diabetes Month, is designated to raising the awareness and understanding of diabetes, its consequences, management and prevention. Now is a good time to stop and consider if you are at risk, or if you have diabetes, how well you are managing it.

Consider the following questions to determine your risk:

1)      Are you above the age of 40?

2)      Do you have a mother, father, brother or sister with diabetes?

3)      Are you physically active?

4)      Do you eat a healthful diet?

5)      Do you smoke?

6)      Do you have high blood pressure?

7)      Do you have high cholesterol?

8)      If you are a woman, have you had a history of gestational diabetes?

These are all great questions to ask yourself when assessing if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes and what preventable measures you can take to reduce that risk.  As you age, you have an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes as well as other comorbid conditions such as heart disease and stroke.  If you have a family history of diabetes, you should also stay on top of your health, as there is a strong genetic disposition.  People who are overweight and sedentary are also at greater risk.

The theme this year for American Diabetes Month is America Gets Cooking^SM to Stop Diabetes. Staying physically active and eating a healthy, balanced diet consisting of a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats are the two most effective ways you can manage diabetes.

I’m not saying it’s easy, but it is worth it! Start by looking at your current eating and activity habits and consider what small changes you can begin making. Each small change adds up to big changes and improved health.

If you need any help in managing your diabetes, feel free to contact me and we’ll set up a time to talk.

Your turn to take action: Diabetes is not something to be ignored. What first step will you take today? Please let me know in the comments section below.

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