Every November, American Diabetes Awareness Month is observed in order to focus attention on this disease and the tens of millions of individuals affected by it. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), producers of the Your Weight Matters Campaign, understands that diabetes is one of the many health conditions associated with excess weight and obesity — so it’s important that we shed a light on it.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a life-long disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. It can be caused by having too little insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar), a resistance to insulin or even both.
According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 29 million people in the nation are affected by diabetes. Of those 29 million individuals, about 21 million are diagnosed while another eight million go undiagnosed.
How Can You Observe American Diabetes Awareness Month?
Just like other health conditions, diabetes is a serious disease that demands research, fair treatment and appropriate patient care. While there are different types of diabetes such as Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 (T2D), each variety should be taken seriously. Here are a few ways that you can observe American Diabetes Month this November:
- Make Small Changes – Small changes to your daily routine, such as gradually incorporating more exercise into your day or switching up some of the ingredients in your meals for healthier options, can go a long way in improving the condition and even for reducing your risk of being diagnosed. You can even encourage other loved ones such as your friends and family to make small changes as well.
- Get Regular Check-ups – Monitoring your health by visiting your doctor frequently is a great way to stay on top of diabetes and to reduce your risk of a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider can show you how to make changes to your health and routinely check your vitals such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Then, encourage others to visit their doctor regularly, too.
- Advocate for Increasing Awareness – Share about diabetes and its importance with your friends, family and your social media accounts. If you’re a healthcare provider, talk to your colleagues about how together, you can help change current healthcare practices and share the seriousness of this disease.
By acting on these tips, you’re doing more than just reducing your risk and affects of diabetes. You’re proactively working to make changes to your weight and health, too! Small changes, regular check-ups and conversations with your healthcare provider are all ways that you can manage your weight and improve your physical and mental health. So, get started and join the Your Weight Matters Campaign in observing Diabetes Awareness Month!
