November is Diabetes Awareness Month, an important time to educate and raise awareness on a disease that impacts millions of American families. The Coalition is focused on the proactive steps that hospitals and health systems across the country are championing in diabetes prevention and treatment. Below is some additional information, and links to further resources, to help better understand diabetes.
Understanding Diabetes:
An estimated 37.3 million Americans- one in 10- are living with diabetes, a chronic condition that impacts how the body converts food into energy.
There are two types of diabetes:
- Type I is when the body can’t make insulin, while Type II is when the body is unable to use insulin well.
- A key difference is that Type II diabetes can be prevented or delayed.
There are also 96 million Americans who have prediabetes- that’s one in three. People who have prediabetes have higher than normal blood sugar levels, but not high enough for a diagnosis of Type II diabetes.
Prevention and Treatment:
While the chances of developing Type II diabetes are highly influenced by genetic factors, there are measures a person can take to delay or outright prevent developing diabetes.
Here are a few lifestyle measures you can take to lower your chances of developing Type II diabetes:
- Exercise regularly: one risk factor for developing diabetes is exercising less than three times a week. By incorporating physical activity into your life, you can lower your risk of diabetes.
- Maintain a healthy weight: The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with prediabetes lose at least 7% to 10% of their body weight to prevent disease progression.
- Avoid refined carbohydrates: Eating foods high in refined carbohydrates and sugar increase blood sugar and insulin levels, which may lead to diabetes over time. Try eating complex carbohydrates, like oatmeal, whole grains, and vegetables instead!
- Regular screenings and checkups can detect prediabetes, giving you a chance to make lifestyle changes and prevent developing diabetes. Early detection is also key for effective management and treatment in the event of developing diabetes.
Support:
Many hospitals and health systems offer diabetes and nutrition education programs, often using teams of endocrinologists, nurses, dieticians, and diabetes educators. Ask your healthcare providers if your local hospital or health system has a program with services for you or an affected family member.
Resources: