November Focuses on Diabetes Awareness Amid Thanksgiving Preparations

November not only brings cooler temperatures and Thanksgiving preparations but also serves as American Diabetes Awareness Month. This period highlights the urgency of addressing diabetes, a condition impacting millions of individuals and their families across the United States each day.

As a healthcare professional, I have witnessed the profound effects of diabetes. It is a condition that demands constant attention and management, yet it also reveals the remarkable perseverance of those living with it. Knowledge stands as a critical weapon in the fight against this disease. Raising awareness is essential for prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management.

Understanding Diabetes: More Than Just High Sugar Levels

Diabetes occurs when blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels rise too high. Glucose, derived from the food we consume, is the primary energy source for our bodies. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, functions like a key, enabling glucose to enter our cells for energy use.

When this system breaks down, the body struggles to lower blood sugar levels, leading to a condition known as hyperglycemia. Over time, persistently high blood sugar can damage tissues and organs throughout the body, resulting in severe long-term complications, including:

– **Cardiovascular Disease**: Elevated glucose levels can harm blood vessel linings, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension.
– **Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)**: The kidneys become overworked from filtering excessive sugar, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease and the need for dialysis or transplantation.
– **Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)**: High blood sugar can injure nerve fibers, especially in the extremities, causing symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and pain, which may lead to unnoticed injuries.
– **Eye Damage (Retinopathy)**: Damage to the delicate blood vessels in the retina can cause vision problems and, if untreated, can result in blindness. Diabetes is a leading cause of new blindness cases among adults.

Three primary types of diabetes exist:

– **Type 1 Diabetes**: An autoimmune disorder where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Individuals must take insulin daily to survive, and it is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.
– **Type 2 Diabetes**: The most common form, where the body either does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not use insulin effectively. Often associated with lifestyle factors, Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in older adults but can affect younger individuals as well.
– **Gestational Diabetes**: This type occurs during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. However, it heightens the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

A staggering **8.5 million** adults in the United States are estimated to have diabetes without being aware of it. Moreover, millions more are identified as having prediabetes, increasing their risk of developing the condition.

Taking Action: Prevention and Management Strategies

Fortunately, lifestyle changes can significantly impact Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for over 90% of cases. It is not about achieving perfection; progress is what counts.

– **Embrace a Balanced Diet**: Aim to fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with lean proteins, and a quarter with whole grains or starchy vegetables.
– **Increase Physical Activity**: Strive for at least **150 minutes** of moderate-intensity exercise each week, equating to **30 minutes** a day, five days a week. Moderate intensity means being able to talk but not sing during exercise.
– **Know Your Numbers**: Consult a healthcare professional to review personal and family histories. A blood test called hemoglobin A1C can provide insights into average blood sugar levels over the past three months.

The American Diabetes Association has dedicated over **80 years** to preventing and curing diabetes while improving the lives of those affected. Their resources include a **60-second Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test** available online.

As Thanksgiving approaches, consider adopting healthier recipes for your celebrations. Additionally, when donating to local food pantries, cash contributions for fresh produce can have a significant impact. Processed foods often lack essential vitamins and minerals.

Every informed choice contributes to a healthier future for individuals, families, and communities. Stay engaged and informed during this critical month, and feel free to reach out with questions at [email protected].