November is a time to come together as a community to stop diabetes. In order to do this, we must spread the word and educate others on the powerful impact that diabetes can have on someone’s life. The good news? People who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes can lower their risk by more than half if they make healthy changes. These changes include: eating healthy, increasing physical activity, and losing weight. So let’s work together to make this known!
Why Diabetes is so important:
- 2 out of every 5 Americans are expected to develop type 2 diabetes during their lifetime.
- More than 29 million Americans have diabetes; 1 in 4 doesn't know. (CDC, 2014; YMCA, 2014)
- 86 million adults – more than 1 in 3 U.S. adults – have prediabetes, where their blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. (CDC, 2014)
- Each year, more than 15,000 children and 15,000 adults—approximately 80 people per day—are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in the U.S.
- The rate of Type 1 Diabetes incidence among children under age 14 is estimated to increase by three percent annually worldwide.
Ways to manage Diabetes:
- Know your ABC’s: A1C (blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past 3 months), Blood pressure, Cholesterol
- Eat Well
- Exercise
- Reduce stress
- Keep an eye on your blood sugar and cholesterol
- Talk to your doctor
- Join a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program or the Diabetes Self-Management Program
- Diabetes Self-Management Program classes are currently being offered in the Northeast, Kansas City, and Southwest Missouri regions. Contact your RAC to learn more or to find a class near you!
Connection to Arthritis:
People with diagnosed diabetes are nearly twice as likely to have arthritis, indicating a diabetes-arthritis connection. Visit the Arthritis Foundation or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn more!
Additional Resources:
National Diabetes Prevention Program
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services – Diabetes Program