WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body does not produce or use insulin effectively.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
Type 1:
- frequent urination
- unusual thirst
- extreme hunger
- unusual weight loss
- extreme fatigue
- irritability
Type 2:
- any of the Type 1 symptoms
- frequent infections
- blurred vision
- cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- tingling/numbness in hands or feet
- recurring skin, gum or bladder infections
On US death certificates, diabetes is found to be the seventh leading cause of death with about 68% dying from heart disease or stroke. The overall risk for death among people with diabetes is about double that of people without diabetes.
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month with November 14 being World Diabetes Day. National Alliance of Wound Care® observes National Diabetes Awareness Month with DWC® Diabetic Wound Certified Credential available to wound care clinicians. US Department of Health and Human Services provide a greater understanding through the National Diabetes Education Program. In 2009 American Diabetes launched Stop Diabetes movement. Why wait? About 90-95% of diabetics have diabetes, type 2. 5-10% of diabetics have diabetes, type 1. Join the movement to stop diabetes today by learning what you can do for yourself or a loved one to get started. Take a moment to read the helpful easy-to-understand links we have provided for you. Learn more
We have included a few tips to help you get started.
- Lose the extra weight
- Portion control with a variety of foods, no fad diets
- Get plenty of fiber- fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds
- Try to make half of your grains whole grains-whole & cracked wheat-oatmeal-brown rice
- Aerobic exercise and resistance training with the greatest benefits coming from a fitness program that includes both-community centers offer programs-start walking daily
- Getting a perfect rest, between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each night
- Reducing stress-yoga-breathing techniques-take a walk-time management-listen to music
- Have a blood test, everyone over 45 and/or overweight should have their blood sugar levels tested
- Share your concerns about diabetes prevention with your provider
Helpguide
A trusted nonprofit resource – Understand, prevent and resolve challenges – Easy to follow Diabetes diet and food tips – Related links for eating to prevent, control, and reverse diabetes
National Diabetes Education Program
What is Diabetes? The facts about Diabetes
American Diabetes Association
A great resource for Diabetes – Become a member
American Diabetes Association Month (pdf)
Learn about the STOP DIABETES movement launched in 2009 by the ADA
