November marks American Diabetes Awareness Month. Though it is a time to cheer on those who are battling this epidemic, it is not meant to be a month of celebration. The main objective of American Diabetes Month is drawing attention to the 38 million Americans that live with this chronic disease, and to encourage people to join the fight against Diabetes through support, advocacy and education.

Understanding Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease where your immune system destroys the beta cells in your pancreas. These beta cells create insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, and when the production of this hormone is halted, blood glucose can’t enter the blood stream. This results in high blood glucose (hyperglycemia). Type 1 Diabetes completely shifts a person’s way of life as they need to prioritize physical exercise, follow a specific diet and meal plan, and be prescribed insulin injections that are given two to three times a day.

Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 Diabetes is known as insulin resistance, which results in the inability of your body to regulate blood glucose levels. This often effects middle-aged and older adults but can be treated with insulin injections and lifestyle changes.

Prediabetes: People who develop Type 2 Diabetes almost always had Prediabetes prior to the diagnosis. This refers to when blood glucose levels are higher than they should be, but not high enough to be considered Diabetes. Those that are diagnosed with Prediabetes are not guaranteed to develop Type 2 Diabetes. However, they are encouraged to make lifestyle changes like increases physical activity and a healthy diet and meal plan to prevent the possible onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes: Gestational Diabetes refers to Diabetes during pregnancy. There is a significant lack of research for Gestational Diabetes, as the exact cause has not yet been discovered. However, experts have assumed this happens when the placentas hormones block the mother’s insulin. This diagnosis can be very scary for pregnant women, however, with the right treatment plan and early intervention, it will oftentimes go away after the baby is born.

Diabetes Complications

Though Diabetes can be treated through lifestyle changes and insulin, it increases the risk of serious complications for millions of Americans. According to the American Diabetes Association, Diabetes increases the risk of:

·        Cardiovascular Disease

·        Chronic Kidney Disease

·        Diabetes-related Eye Disease

·        Neuropathy

·        Foot, skin, and oral complications

·        Hearing loss

·        Diabetes Ketoacidosis

·        Stroke

Guide to Identifying Early Symptoms:

Since the early detection and treatment of Diabetes can reduce the risk of further complications, the knowledge of common symptoms is vital. According to the American Diabetes Association, the following symptoms could be possible warning signs for Diabetes:

·        Urinating often

·        Feeling very thirsty

·        Feeling very hungry even though you are eating

·        Extreme fatigue

·        Blurry vision

·        Slow healing cuts/bruises

·        Weight loss even though you are eating more (type 1)

·        Tingling, pain or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

Resources

The American Diabetes Association and The Center for Disease Control have developed various guides, programs, and courses to ensure that those with Diabetes have the resources they need and know that they are not alone. Below are a few key resources for managing healthcare costs, getting connected with others, and prioritizing health and wellness.

Insulin Storage Tips: The Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition provides a list of specific tips to safely store your insulin during a natural disaster or power outage.

Lowering Insulin Costs:  The American Diabetes Association has curated a list of resources to assist in lowering the costs of insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test: Stay in control of your health and take this 60-second Type 2 Diabetes Risk assessment provided by the American Diabetes Association.

“Ask The Experts” Informational Events: The American Diabetes Association holds various virtual Q&A sessions with experts in the field of Diabetes. Register today and get the answers you need.

Tips for Eating Well With Diabetes: The American Diabetes Association provides tips for eating well and managing your health with Diabetes.

Diabetes Self Management and Support Series: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention created a video series detailing self-care behaviors to prevent or delay Diabetes complications.

Live Cooking Classes: Take a look at live cooking classes provided by the American Diabetes Association and learn how to reach your Diabetes management goals through healthy eating.

Ways to Contribute

Whether you or a loved one is suffering from Diabetes, or you are learning more about the disease this month and would like to get involved, every act of advocacy and donation helps. If you would like to donate towards the research, programs, and advocacy for Diabetes, you can do so here.

If you would like to make a difference and volunteer your time to the American Diabetes Association, find the perfect fit for your schedule and skills here or call 1-888-342-2383.