November is American Diabetes Month

  • Published
  • By Marilyn Leggett, RN
  • Civilian Health Promotion Services
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  November is American Diabetes Month and, according to the American Diabetes Association, someone is diagnosed with this serious disease every 20 seconds.

Diabetes is a serious illness in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play a part.

Complications from diabetes such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and amputation can be life-threatening. Currently 24 million children and adults live with diabetes and 57 million Americans are at risk for type 2 diabetes. If current trends continue, one out of every three children born today may develop diabetes.

Most Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. In this type, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not respond to insulin. Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose level is higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless and may include: Frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss or gain, increased fatigue, irritability, and blurred vision.

Typically, November ushers in the "holiday season" with parties and delectable treats in abundance. This holiday season may be the time to consider small changes that may help you prevent diabetes; the New Year isn't far away and you may be a step or two ahead in incorporating some healthy resolutions.

The basics of diabetes prevention are simple; move more and make healthy food choices. According to the National Diabetes Education Program, people at high risk for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the disease if they lose as little as 10 pounds by walking 30 minutes a day and making healthy food choices.

If you have not been active or have diagnosed medical conditions, talk to your doctor about safely exercising; start slowly and gradually increase your level of activity. Eat healthier by choosing foods low in fat, sugar, and calories and watch portion sizes. Focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as whole wheat bread and oatmeal. Limit fried foods and broil or bake lean cuts of meat, poultry, and fish. Use non-fat dairy products and cooking spray instead of oil. If hungry, eat a healthy snack between meals. Don't keep chips, cookies or candy in the house. Drink water instead of sugary juices, tea, and sodas.

Remember, ask your health professional about your risk for type 2 diabetes, make healthy food choices and reduce the amount you eat. Get 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week and lose a modest amount of weight.
 
For more information log on to www.YourDiabetesInfo.org or, at Eglin, contact Civilian Health Promotion Services, 883-8024, or the Health and Wellness Center, 883-8022, for resources and classes.