American Diabetes Month is a time to raise awareness about diabetes and its impact on the lives of people affected by the disease. This year’s theme for American Diabetes Month is “Diabetes: Know Your Risk.”
Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to devastating health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and amputation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 million people in the United States have diabetes—and one in four of them don’t even know it.
During American Diabetes Month, the CDC is urging people to learn about their risk for type 2 diabetes and take steps to prevent the disease if they are at risk. You can assess your risk for type 2 diabetes by taking the CDC’s Diabetes Risk Test.
If you are at high risk for type 2 diabetes, there are things you can do to prevent the disease. Making small changes in your lifestyle can make a big difference. The CDC recommends the following steps to prevent type 2 diabetes:
- Get more physically active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week—that’s just 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
- Eat healthy foods. Choose foods low in saturated fat and trans fat, and high in fiber. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid sugary drinks.
- Lose excess weight. If you are overweight or obese, losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes.
- Manage blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, work with your healthcare team to control it
- Control cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol, work with your healthcare team to control it.
Making these lifestyle changes can be hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Talk to your doctor or a diabetes educator about ways to make these changes easier. You can also find support from others who are working to prevent type 2 diabetes by joining a national prevention campaign, like the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program.
Five Sobering Diabetes Facts:
Most people think of diabetes as a relatively minor health problem. It's treatable with medication, right? Diabetes is a serious disease that can have major consequences if it's not managed properly. Here are five sobering facts about diabetes everyone should know:
- Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults.
- Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
- Diabetes is a major contributor to heart disease and stroke.
- Diabetes increases your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
- Diabetes can lead to amputation of limbs, especially feet, and legs.
These are just a few of the many ways that diabetes can impact your health. So if you have diabetes, it's important to work closely with your healthcare team to manage your condition and keep your risk of complications as low as possible.
Why is National Diabetes Month important?
National Diabetes Month is a time to raise awareness about diabetes and its many complications. This is a good time to learn more about the disease and how to prevent it. Now is the time to learn how to prevent or manage diabetes and its complications. This is also the time to encourage early detection and treatment of the disease. Diabetes is a serious condition that can have many negative consequences on one's health, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. National Diabetes Month is an opportunity to educate people about the importance of early detection and management of the disease. There are many ways you can help support National Diabetes Month, such as volunteering, your health care provider or the American Diabetes Association websites and how to prevent it from your healthcare provider, the American Diabetes Association website, or other reliable sources. You can help raise awareness about diabetes by sharing information with others. National Diabetes Month is a time to learn more about this serious disease, how to prevent it, and how to support each other. We should all take steps to improve our health. This means eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
Here are some common mistakes diabetics make, and how to avoid them.
One of the most common mistakes diabetics make is not monitoring their blood sugar levels. This can lead to serious health complications, including ketoacidosis (a build-up of acids in the blood) and coma. Diabetics should check their blood sugar levels regularly with a glucometer. Another common mistake diabetics make is skipping meals or skimping on insulin doses. This can cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which can be dangerous. Diabetics should eat regularly and take insulin as prescribed by their doctor. Diabetics need to take care of their feet. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation, which can lead to foot problems. Diabetics should check their feet daily and consult a podiatrist if they have any problems. Diabetics need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious complication that can occur when blood sugar levels are too high. Symptoms of DKA include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may be caused by a build-up of ketones in the blood, which can happen when the body does not have enough insulin. If you experience any of these symptoms, please see a doctor as soon as possible. By following these tips, diabetics can avoid many of the common mistakes that can lead to serious health complications.
The Types of Diabetes:
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to control their blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body cannot properly use the insulin it produces. In some cases, the body may not produce enough insulin. The body may not always respond to insulin. This resistance to insulin can result in high blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1 diabetes and usually develops in adults. More and more children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is another type of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes typically resolves after childbirth. If you have had gestational diabetes, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. No matter what type of diabetes you have, it can cause serious health complications. Diabetes can have negative effects on your heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. It also increases your risk of stroke and other cancers. It's important to manage your diabetes with medication, healthy eating, and exercise to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
The Role of the MRI in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes:
The MRI is a powerful tool that can be used to diagnose and treat diabetes. The MRI can help doctors to determine the cause of diabetes, and identify the best treatment options for each patient. The MRI can also be used to monitor the progress of diabetes, and to assess the effectiveness of treatments. In addition, the MRI can provide information about the risk factors for developing diabetes, and can help to identify people who are at high risk for the disease. The MRI is an important tool in the fight against diabetes and can help to improve the lives of those who suffer from the disease.
What are some things we can do to support American Diabetes Month?
There are many ways to support American Diabetes Month. Here are some ideas:
Educate yourself and others about diabetes. The more we know about this disease, the better equipped we are to prevent it and manage it if we are diagnosed.
Make healthy lifestyle choices. Eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise can help reduce your risk of developing diabetes or help you manage the disease if you have it.
Get involved in diabetes advocacy. Many organizations are working to improve the lives of people with diabetes and their families. Supporting their efforts can make a difference.
Donate to a diabetes charity. This is a great way to show your support for those living with diabetes and help fund research for a cure.
Spread the word on social media. Use your platform to raise awareness about diabetes and its impact on individuals and families.