November is American Diabetes Month. How are you getting involved?
Currently, in the United States, 29.1 million people have diabetes, with a further 86 million being pre-diabetic. As one of the nation's top killers, diabetes is a serious disease that can affect anyone. As November is American Diabetes Month, this gives you the opportunity to read up on the facts of this disease, how you can prevent it, and how you can support those suffering from it.
Type 1 diabetes means that the body is failing to produce insulin. Five to ten percent of diabetes patient have this type, and it is usually diagnosed during childhood but it can develop at any age. There is no known way to prevent it.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common and occurs when insulin is being produced, but the body isn't using it naturally. This, again, can develop at any age, and in most cases can be prevented.
There are certain risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including:
- Being overweight
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Having diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes)
Diabetes prevention is as basic as eating a healthy diet and becoming more physically active. Remember that it's never too late to start! Here are some ways to get started:
- Get more physical activity
- Get plenty of fiber
- Opt for whole grains
- Lose extra weight
- Reduce your consumption of meat, dairy, and processed foods.
- Aim to eat wholesome foods complete with fruits and vegetables.
If you have diabetes or know someone who does, you can help to manage the condition by working with a health professional, eating healthy, and staying active.
We can use this month to raise awareness about diabetes risks factors and encourage people to make healthy changes! Get involved by:
- Tweeting about American Diabetes Month
- Hosting a community event where families can be active while learning about local health resources.
- Joining the American Diabetes Association in celebrating American Diabetes Month!
Most people equate November with Thanksgiving - and that usually means spending time with loved ones over a feast of food. If you or a loved one has diabetes or is at a high risk for the disease, this should be a reminder to eat slowly, don't pile up on the pumpkin pie, and get some exercise in over the long weekend.
So that you can focus on your family and health, let the professionals take care of your
insurance policies.
Contact Little & Sons Insurance Services to learn about suitable coverage for your needs.
