Do you know that November Is American Diabetes Month? Did you know that Diabetes killed more people last year (68,000) then AIDS and Breast Cancer combined? Do I have your attention now? I hope so. We can all help with Diabetes Prevention in our own communities.
The scope of the disease is mind-blowing. 26 million Americans have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and 79 million Americans are pre-diabetic. Shockingly, of those 79 million Americans who are pre-diabetic, only 11% are aware of their condition. Yikes!
So what do we do about it? How can we stop diabetes? It really comes down to two things: Awareness & Action.
AWARENESS: WHAT’S YOUR RISK?
First things first: Find out if you, and your family & friends, are at risk. Risk assessment, and early detection are critical, for successful treatment and delaying or preventing the disease and the complications that come along with it.
Finding out your risk level is quick and easy. You can take a Risk Assessment Test online, but it is crucially important that you “spread the word.” Encourage your family and friends to find out their risk too.
ACTION: NEVER STOP MOVING
Second, keep exercise at the top of your priority list – people with a BMI that exceeds 35, have a 4000% greater chance of developing type 2 Diabetes. Scary stuff. That said, people with Pre-Diabetes who exercise for 30-minutes, five times a week, and lost 5 to 7 percent of their total weight cut their risk of developing full-fledged diabetes by nearly 60%*. For those without pre-diabetes, consistent exercise is one of the best ways to keep the disease at bay.
Spread the word to help with diabetes prevention. Your help can save lives.
So true! Exercising can prevent diabetes for 10 years, moreso than meds
These are great tips. My friend was just diagnosed and she is struggling.
I have a couple of friend’s who recently found out that they were pre diabetic. I’d never fully understood how scary that can be!
I was diagnosed pre-diabetic over a year back and cut out nearly all sugar (save reviews and social engagements) and kicked diabetes in the butt before it had chance to grab hold. Not everyone has that chance. I think diabetes education is very important!
I have a few family members that have diabetes, and I definitely am careful about keeping my kids moving – and eating healthy.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the important share. I grew up in a household where we all followed a diabetic diet; my dad has type-1 and rather than cook different meals for him, she used his menu plan to feed us all. While I didn’t necessarily appreciate it then, those healthy habits that she started have surely contributed to the way I feed my family now!
Great tips. Diabetes doesn’t run in our family, but it’s still something to be aware of, just in case. Thanks for the reminder!
This is such important information. Thanks for helping to get the word out.
such an important cause and great tips. My mom has diabetes :/
What great tips! My aunt has diabetes! Thanks!
Very important information! Diabetes is too rampant in today’s world and it’s important to be aware of how it is caused and how to prevent it.
Such important information. Diet and exercise are so vital to maintaining one’s health thank you for sharing this to spread awareness about diabetes.
Thanks for getting behind this important cause.
Great tips. A few of my family members have diabetes, so I am making an effort to exercise every day.