​November is American Diabetes Month. This month we rally against the diabetes epidemic. Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Your body breaks down most of the food you eat into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy.

 

With diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should. When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

There isn’t a cure yet for diabetes, but losing weight, eating healthy food, and being active can really help. Other things you can do to help:

• Take medicine as prescribed.

• Get diabetes self-management education and support.

• Make and keep health care appointments.

 

Facts About Diabetes:

* 1.4 million people will be diagnosed with diabetes this year. 

* In 2019, diabetes was the direct cause of 1.5 million deaths and 48% of all deaths due to diabetes

occurred before the age of 70 years.

* There are ways you can manage your diabetes—through diet, exercise, medical support and emotional help.

Facts About Diabetes: Facts About Diabetes | Johns Hopkins Medicine

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Calling All Types: Eat Well and Move

No matter if you live with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, diet and exercise are two of the most powerful tools you have. Not only do they help you control your blood glucose, but they can mean the difference between feeling run down and feeling great.

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Eat healthy

New diets can feel restrictive and there is no one-size-fits-all diet. While you need to make changes in what and how much you eat, you have access to plenty of guidance. Start with an ADA-approved cookbook and remember to:

• Eat a variety of foods, including vegetables, whole grains, fruits, non-fat dairy foods, healthy fats, and lean meats or meat substitutes

• Try not to eat too much food

• Try not to eat too much of one type of food

• Space your meals evenly throughout the day

• Avoid skipping meals

 

Get active

Another part of living a full and healthy life with diabetes is being active. No matter what you do or how you approach it, know that any type of physical activity helps lower your blood glucose. Other benefits of physical activity include:

• Having more energy

• Relieving stress

• Keeping your joints flexible

• Lowering your risk for heart disease and stroke

• Feeling great

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Too many Americans with diabetes suffer discrimination, health inequality, and high health care costs. The ADA fights for your right to affordable medications and so much more. Through proper diet and exercise, you can reduce your chance of getting diabetes. 

 

For more information about Diabetes, visit: Diabetes Awareness Month

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