Join us in celebrating the first full week of November as National Diabetes Education Week.  Each November is a time to raise awareness on diabetes and prediabetes, and the impact of these conditions on more than 1 in 3 Americans. Did you know that while almost 30 million people in the US have some form of diabetes, one in four don’t even realize they’re walking around with the disease.

Our desire is to help boost awareness about the risk factors, symptoms, and types of diabetes during National Diabetes Education Week.

Two Main Conditions

Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the body can’t produce insulin, a hormone in the pancreas that breaks down carbohydrates into blood sugar or glucose, for energy. Many children suffer from Type 1 diabetes although it can affect people of any age or background.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease where the body is unable to process our internal insulin well enough to keep blood sugar at normal levels.

Risk Factors

It’s important to know your risk factors. You may be predisposed to Type 2 diabetes if you are overweight, older than 45, your parent had Type 2 diabetes, you barely exercise each week, and you have been diagnosed with prediabetes. A key preventive measure if to lose weight. With a 10-14 pound weight loss, you can improve your chances of avoiding or even beating diabetes. Try implementing exercise about 30 minutes a day, 5 times per week.

Are you at risk? It’s important to know your risk factors. You can take a quick one-minute risk assessment test.

Diabetes is a constant battle, not only for those diagnosed, but for their loved ones, caregivers, and health care providers. We want to help you on your journey to live a healthier life.

Schedule your appointment online or by calling 864-582-2411 to meet with Jamie Lawson or Japonica Owens, our Diabetes Educators.

Sources: NationalToday.com and WhiteHouse.gov