November is Diabetes Awareness Month
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 34 million Americans are living with diabetes today, more than 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and approximately a third are pre-diabetes, meaning they are at a high risk of developing the disease.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder typically diagnosed in children, teens and young adults, but it can develop at any age.
Type 2 diabetes affects more than 30 million Americans. It is a condition characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production. The first step to avoiding type 2 diabetes is understanding your risk.
Ways to Manage Diabetes
- Manage blood glucose levels
- Encourage healthy habits
- Stay prepared for emergencies with basic supplies such as: medical supplies and equipment (at least a week’s worth),emergency and health care professional contact lists and a medication list, including doses and dosing schedules.
- Monitor for diabetes complications.
- Seek mental health support.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes puts people at risk for many different injuries, diseases, problems, or other complications that you normally would not have to watch out for. That’s why understanding diabetes and how to manage it is more essential than ever.
Diabetes Awareness Day Is November 14
This year’s theme is "The Nurse and Diabetes." Visit the World Diabetes Day web page, and be able to access screening tools and quizzes for learning your risk for type 2 diabetes and testing your knowledge about your body.
