November is National Diabetes Month, a time to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on taking action to prevent diabetes health problems.
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer. But there’s also good news – taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems!
Take Charge of Tomorrow
Watch this short video from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) to learn more.
Know Your Risks
You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are overweight or obese; are age 35 or older; have a family history of diabetes; are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander; are not physically active; or have prediabetes.
Manage Your Blood Glucose, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
Preventing diabetes or managing diabetes as soon as possible after diagnosis may help prevent diabetes health problems. Ask your health care team what your ABCs goals should be.
- A is for the A1C test that health care professionals use to measure your average blood glucose levels. Some people with diabetes also use devices to track their blood glucose throughout the day and night.
- B is for blood pressure.
- C is for cholesterol.
Take Small Steps
Taking small steps toward healthier lifestyle habits such as planning health meals, being physically active, getting enough sleep and not smoking may help prevent diabetes or manage your diabetes. Don’t take on everything at once – start slow and build healthier habits from there.
Take Your Medicines on Time
Remember to take your medicines even if you feel healthy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble taking your medicines on time or at the correct dose.
Reach or Maintain a Healthy Weight
If you are overweight or obese, ask your primary care provider if healthy eating, physical activity or other weight-loss treatments may help you manage your weight.
You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of your starting weight. Use the Diabetes Risk Management Calculator to determine how much weight you can lose to help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Managing diabetes can be hard. If you feel down, sad or overwhelmed, learn about healthy ways to cope with stress. Consider talking to a mental health counselor or joining a support group.
Work with Your Health Care Team
Managing diabetes takes a team. Your health care team may include a primary care provider, diabetes specialist, registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator. Ask your primary care provider if you should talk with other health care professionals about preventing or managing diabetes.
Diabetes medicines, devices and office visits can be expensive. A social worker or a member of your health care team may be able to help you find community resources or financial help for diabetes care.