Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. It can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other health problems if it’s not controlled.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. It can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other health problems if it’s not controlled.
One in 10 Americans have diabetes — that’s more than 30 million people. And another 84 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The good news? People who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes can lower their risk if they make healthy changes. Examples of healthy changes include eating healthy, getting more physical activity, and losing weight.
How can American Diabetes Month make a difference?
You can use this month to raise awareness about diabetes risk factors and encourage the people you know and love to make healthy changes.
Here are just a few ideas:
- Encourage loved ones to make small changes, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Talk to friends, coworkers and people in your community about getting regular checkups. It might surprise you how many opportunities there are to speak out about this important health message. Individuals can get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked – and ask their doctor about their diabetes risk.
- Ask doctors and nurses in your community to be advocates for health by speaking to their patients and by presenting lectures to area groups about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity.
Find More Information
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
PHOTO: American Diabetes Association