November is National Diabetes Month, an event to help raise awareness about diabetes, how to prevent it, how to treat it, and what issues it surrounds. Several organizations get together each year to run this event to help Americans learn more about this disease, whether they have it or not.
Here are a few things you should know to join the event.
Event Background
In 2010, about 26 million people had diabetes. Several health programs educate the public about the disease, how to prevent it, what are the risk factors, and how to treat it. National Diabetes Month lasts even a month to help spread this awareness throughout the US. Several organizations host their own events throughout the month to spread awareness and educate people about risk factors. They make sure people are educated on how to prevent diabetes, and how to tell if they are at risk, and therefore need to be tested for it.
Diabetic Type
There is some types of diabetes: Type 1 includes people whose bodies produce little or no insulin, and who depend on insulin to keep them alive. Type 2, also known as Adult Onset Diabetes, appears later in life, and is usually caused by poor eating and exercise habits. It accounts for 90 percent of all diabetes cases. Type 2 diabetes patients do not always have to take insulin. If you think you are at risk, see your doctor. Gestational diabetes consists of high glucose levels in pregnant women. It occurs in 1 in every 25 pregnancies worldwide, and is associated with complications for both mother and baby. It usually disappears after pregnancy, but can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Maintenance
There are some treatment options for diabetics. Proper diet and exercise maintain weight, which is very important for controlling diabetes. In some cases, it can prevent Type 2 patients from needing to take insulin. Taking insulin properly controls type 1 diabetes and monitoring blood sugar is important for managing both types of diabetes. It is also very important to practice good hygiene skills, including taking care of your skin, feet, eyes and mouth every day, and reducing stress. You also want to have a good healthcare team that takes care of your individual needs, as well as a good support team to help you along the way. It’s also best to know where you are emergency treatment location in cases of diabetic seizures.
Give support
If you know someone with diabetes, there are several things you can do support them. First, learn as much as you can about diabetes. The more educated you are, the more you will understand the disease and its treatment, and be able to help better. This includes knowing about your loved one’s specific type of diabetes and its treatment. Next, talk to your loved ones. Ask a few questions about what they really need from you, then be prepared to offer the help they’re asking for. Discuss your feelings too, and have an open communication policy. Get extra support and help when you need it.
Understanding diabetes can help prevent you from developing it, as well as help your loved one cope with the disease. Take advantage of National Diabetes Month events in your area to learn more.
Jacob Anderson is a freelance journalist from Scottsdale, Arizona who writes for various health and wellness blogs and magazines.
