Take Charge this National Diabetes Month!
Being told you have diabetes may feel very scary. However, there's so much we can do to improve our health and quality of life. Through the Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) program, we aim to work with and educate communities to prevent diabetes-related complications and help individuals live and thrive with diabetes.
Diabetes is a disease affecting 38 million youth and adults in the United States. Diabetes occurs when blood glucose, also called blood sugar, levels are too high. When diabetes isn't well managed, it can lead to damaging nearly every body system, including the eyes, kidneys, heart, liver, and nervous system.
The good news is that people living with diabetes can manage and improve their health with simple changes to their daily habits. November is National Diabetes Month, and this year's theme is "Taking Charge of Tomorrow." All people living with diabetes can take action to lead a long and healthy life. Here are a few tips to help:
Follow the ABCs for better health - A stands for A1C, which helps you know your average blood glucose. If you don't know your A1C, ask your primary care provider to check this for you. Some people also monitor their blood sugar levels using a glucose monitoring device throughout the day. B stands for Blood Pressure. Your heart health and diabetes go hand-in-hand, especially when blood sugar levels rise. Keep track of your blood pressure with an at-home monitor or have it checked at each doctor's visit. C stands for Cholesterol. People living with diabetes are at a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke compared to people living without diabetes. Know your cholesterol and practice heart-healthy eating habits.
Practice healthy habits - From getting daily movement, like going on a walk, to eating nourishing meals, having a plan to keep your body feeling good can prevent diabetes-related health problems. Check out the resources on our site for delicious recipes and tips to get active!
Maintain a healthy weight - Staying at a healthy weight can prevent and delay diabetes. Ask your primary care provider about ways to help manage your weight.
Don't forget your dose - Even though you may be tempted to skip medication, especially if you are feeling good and your diabetes is well managed, it is important to continue taking your medication as prescribed. Reach out to your provider if you have questions about your medications.
Be mindful - Living with diabetes can be mentally and emotionally draining. In fact, those living with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have depression than those without diabetes, and many go undiagnosed. If you're feeling overwhelmed, sad, low energy, or a bit off, don't ignore those feelings. Talk to your healthcare team about seeing a mental healthcare provider.
Find Support - You're not alone in your diabetes journey. Work with your healthcare team and set yourself up for success. Your team may include your primary care provider, diabetes educators, dietitians, mental health counselors, and support groups. The HED program can also help. Join our next cohort, available in early 2025, by signing up on our Events page! <Link to Join A Class Page>
Start with small changes this month and take charge of tomorrow!
References:
American Diabetes Month. Accessed November 4, 2024. https://diabetes.org/adm
National Diabetes Month 2024 - NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Accessed November 4, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/national-diabetes-month
Davis J, Fischl AH, Beck J, et al. 2022 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care. 2022;48(1):44-59. doi:10.1177/26350106211072203
