Throughout the month of November, join the UPHS Wellfocused Team in observing Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is among the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States with an estimated 37.3 million Americans – or 1 in 10 – having the disease. In addition to these numbers, an estimated one-third of Americans have prediabetes and the vast majority of these people are unaware that they have it.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that impairs the body’s ability to efficiently turn food into usable energy in the body. There are two major types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Raising awareness for diabetes is important because diabetes decreases quality of life and causes physical, mental, and emotional health complications. Diabetes can ultimately cause vision and neurological problems, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and limb amputations, among other problems. In addition to its physical effects, diabetes is also a costly disease. Diabetes costs about $327 billion in the United States annually, due to medical costs and decreased productivity related to the disease. Rates of diabetes and prediabetes have increased in recent years in the United States in both adults and children.
Fortunately, Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented, delayed, and managed through lifestyle factors including a healthy diet, physical activity, and managed stress levels. Taking small steps towards a healthier life can go a long way in preventing diabetes and lowering the costs associated with it. For example, switching out soda for water or choosing to take the stairs instead of the elevator can be small goals that ultimately lead to healthy lifestyle changes. Diabetes-friendly diets are high in fiber and nutrient-rich whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; and limit processed foods high in added sugar, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fat.
Diabetes Education
- To learn more about diabetes and to take a free risk assessment test, visit the American Diabetes Association’s website.
- Each month, Wellfocused hosts a “Let’s Talk” session that focuses on various disease states and health management tools. On November 4, at noon, join Let’s Talk: Diabetes, for a conversation with a certified Diabetes Educator to learn more about this disease and have a chance to ask questions.
- Can’t make the event? You can view the recording after November 4 on the Wellfocused On-Demand website.