Diabetes Month

With awareness disease can be prevented, managed

November is National Diabetes Month, an annual event to raise awareness of the disease that afflicts about one in every 11 Americans. This year’s theme is focused on helping everyone with diabetes to manage their health effectively and avoid complications from the disease.

Around the world, nearly 400 million people have diabetes. And the disease kills more than 5 million each year.

Since it damages blood vessels, diabetes is a major factor in heart attacks and strokes. It also can lead to vision impairment or blindness and serious kidney disease

Diabetes also damages the nerves, which can lead to tissue damage. Sometimes the damage is so severe amputation is required.

Some people are born with diabetes and must manage their condition throughout their lives.

But many other develop the disease later in life. You or your family may be at risk for this.

The good news is that you can cut your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. That’s what raising awareness of the disease is all about.

By far the most common risk factor for developing diabetes is weight. The IDF estimates about least 90 percent of those with Type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese.

Another factor is lack of exercise. Skipping breakfast has also been linked with Type 2 diabetes. The formula for preventing Type 2 diabetes? East a healthy diet. Increase your exercise Eat a healthy breakfast. More information on all three are available at diabetes.org.

No, you might not be afflicted with diabetes. No one in your family may have the disease. But that’s now. In the future? Who knows? The best way to manage diabetes is to prevent diabetes. It’s something we all need to think about.