November is National Diabetes Awareness Month
During the month of November, people all over the country team up to raise awareness of diabetes symptoms, promote healthy living and ensure people are aware of risk factors.
Diabetes Mellitus is a condition that affects the way the body processes glucose (sugar) and is the body’s main source of energy. Insulin is a hormone required for most cells in the body to absorb glucose and convert it to energy. Low insulin-production levels causes many cells to starve for energy, while the body’s blood glucose levels rise above normal. This causes inefficient cell activity and other complications. Over time, eyes, kidneys, nerves, or heart can be affected.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
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34.2 million US adults have diabetes, and 1 in 5 do not know.
- Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
- Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and adult blindness.
- In the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled.
Please check out the CDC website or the Diabetes Care Provider Bulletin for more information:
- Types of Diabetes
- Risk factors
- Symptoms
- Preventing Complications of Diabetes
- Living with Diabetes
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