Diabetes affects 29.1 millions of people in the USA. Every moment, people of all ages are facing the struggles brought about by a diabetes diagnosis. While the disease may be notorious and a household name, many people may not be aware of what diabetes actually is.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes refers to a few related, metabolic disorders. These disorders are characterized as when you regularly have an unstable (usually very high) blood sugar levels for a prolonged period of time. These are caused by deficiencies with the pancreas or insulin production. Without the insulin, sugar is not efficiently absorbed.
There are a few different symptoms you may want to look out for:
• Increased thirst or hunger
• Dry mouth
• Chronically feeling weak or tired
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Abnormal mood swings
• Abnormally frequent urination or urine infections
• Weight Fluctuation
• Diabetic coma
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms and believe that diabetes may be to blame, it is important to contact a healthcare professional immediately, so you can begin treatment and management as soon as possible. If diabetes is left treatment, the consequences can be rather severe.
Who is Affected by Diabetes?
Diabetes affects people of all ages across the world. While there is no age that is immune from experiencing a diabetes diagnosis, there are some populations that are more vulnerable than others.
Elderly individuals are at a much higher risk for developing type two diabetes than the rest of the general population.
This means that this population should remain especially aware of the disease. Although this knowledge may not be too widely known, national diabetes awareness month makes it a better time than ever to help yourself get educated and keep your health in line.
When is Diabetes Awareness Month?
Diabetes Awareness Month takes place in November of every year. One in ten people in the United States has a diagnosis of diabetes.
This means that there are about 30 million people at any given time that face this disease on a daily basis. This is not even half of the estimated number of people in the United States that are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
National Diabetes Awareness Month was put in place specifically to educate all of the people out there about what they can do to prevent the development of diabetes.
This information is especially important to vulnerable populations, like the elderly, as simple lifestyle changes can be all you need to get you on the right track to a healthy diabetes-free lifestyle.
How can you Prevent the development of Diabetes?
1. Monitor your diet: What you eat contributes a lot to the development of diabetes. Having a balanced diet is actually one of the best things you can do to not only prevent diabetes, but get the already existing disease under control.
Try to manage your portions so that you do not overeat and always ty to get those fruits and veggies into your daily meals. It may hurt, but try skipping the dessert or cutting out those processed, unhealthy foods from your regular diet. Drinking a large glass of water 10 minutes before you eat or eating with a group of friends are ways that you can help limit how hungry you feel.
2. Watch what you drink: Your diet is so much more than your food. Never forget that your drinks can have a lot of hidden sugars. Staying hydrated is especially important. Try to go for water and avoid alcohol, fruit juices, and sodas when possible.
3. Take the stairs: When possible, try to remain as active as ever. Regular exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight as well. You don’t have to be an incredible athlete or very fit to do this. Try opting for stairs instead of escalators or enjoying nice strolls outside daily.
4. Talk to your doctor: Talking to a health care professional is an important step to monitoring your health. Especially if you are in a vulnerable age bracket, now would be the time to know your risk as well as your status.
National Diabetes Awareness Month is a better time than ever to get yourself educated. Spread the word and let your loved ones know what they can do to make their lives a little healthier!
