National Diabetes Month: Awareness to Action

November is National Diabetes Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a health condition affecting over 530 million adults worldwide. This month-long campaign aims to highlight the widespread impact of diabetes and ways to manage it effectively. With experts predicting that over a million more people will be living with diabetes by 2030, it’s clearly a crucial health issue that needs global efforts for a cure. We will discuss ways to prevent and treat the disease and the importance of regular checkups with your healthcare provider, such as Harmony Healthcare Long Island.

Understanding Diabetes: Type 1 versus Type 2

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels (glucose).

Here are two main types and their differences:

Type 1 Diabetes

This is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its insulin-producing cells. Symptoms generally associated include nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains. People with type 1 must take daily insulin injections. This typically develops in children but can present at any age.

Type 2 Diabetes

This is when the body becomes resistant to the effects of the insulin naturally produced by the body. Type 2 diabetes normally affects adults over 40 who are overweight and have a family history. However, this can also occur in younger people, and more and more are developing type 2. Additionally, symptoms of this type are harder to notice and could take years to develop.

Promoting Early Detection

Regular screenings and checkups are crucial for early detection of diabetes. You want to know how to treat the disease and prevent serious complications like permanent damage to vital organs such as kidneys, heart, and eyes.

National Diabetes Month encourages individuals to schedule appointments with healthcare providers such as Harmony Healthcare Long Island, especially if they have risk factors like family history, obesity, or high blood pressure. Early diagnosis is key to creating a management plan and improved health outcomes.

Prevention and Lifestyle Changes

Teaching and encouraging individuals to take proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle will help to significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Where there is no known prevention method for type 1, incorporating healthy lifestyle changes will help to treat it. Type 2, however, can be prevented with these simple healthy tips:

• Quit smoking
• Weight control
• Increase physical activity
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Increase your daily water intake
• A healthy diet, including fiber-rich foods
• Reduce your carb and processed food ingestion

National Diabetes Month: A Critical Initiative to Influence Change

By raising awareness, advocating for better care, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices, we can make a meaningful impact on those affected by diabetes. Harmony Healthcare Long Island is committed to our patients and the community’s health and wellness.

Book an appointment with us today for any questions or concerns about your health. Together, we can transition from awareness to action, working towards a future where diabetes is better understood, effectively managed and prevented.