November is American Diabetes Month, a time to embrace a message of hope and empowerment. Because hope is greater than fear. Actions are greater than words. And unity is greater than division.
Understanding Type 1
Type 1 diabetes occurs at every age and in people of every race, shape and size. There is no shame in having it. Learning as much as you can about it and working closely with your diabetes care team can give you everything you need to thrive.
In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks down the carbohydrates you eat into blood sugar that it uses for energy—and insulin is a hormone that the body needs to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, everyone can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives.
Understanding Type 2
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes—and it means that your body doesn’t use insulin properly. And while some people can control their blood sugar levels with healthy eating and exercise, others may need medication or insulin to help manage it. If you’re at risk, making small changes to the way you eat, increasing your physical activity levels or getting early treatment can, for some, actually return blood sugar levels to a normal range.
Even if you have prediabetes…
There are many factors you can control. Prediabetes is a condition that can lead to Type 2 diabetes and even heart disease. Your chances of having prediabetes go up if you:
Are 45 or older
Are Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American or Pacific Islander
Have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes
Are overweight
Are physically inactive
Have high blood pressure or take medicine for high blood pressure
Have low HDL cholesterol and/or high triglycerides
Had diabetes during pregnancy
Have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome
The American Diabetes Association has a full slate of fitness ideas, nutritional plans and tips to help you move forward, including how to get help from a lifestyle change program led by a lifestyle coach trained to use a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved curriculum in your area. #diabetes #health #diet #fitness #americandiabetesmonth