National Diabetes Awareness Month is a chance to show what life with diabetes is really like and provide ways to manage it.
Consider that while almost 30 million people in the U.S. have some form of diabetes, one in four don’t even realize they’re walking around with the disease. National Diabetes Month is an annual event each November to boost awareness about the risk factors, symptoms, and types of diabetes. If you’ve been recently diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2, or if you are considered pre-diabetic, hear the stories, check out the latest research, and connect with others who can help you on your journey to live a healthier life.
Every year, this community comes together to ring the alarm on the diabetes epidemic. For the millions of people who are at risk for it, it’s a time to get educated, find resources, and make sure all those around us are aware of their risk, too. And for those living with diabetes, it’s a chance to share your testimony. Until there’s a cure, we use this month to inform and encourage our sisters and brothers living with this disease. Will you join this community building effort?
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH
Commit to a healthier lifestyle
Discover ways that you can live a little healthier by reviewing your habits. Are you getting enough sleep? Fatigue can cause a resistance to the insulin your body needs — and daytime tiredness can stop you from getting some life-saving exercise. Drink more water because dehydration keeps your body from functioning well. Be adventurous and add some new veggies and fruits to your diet to help keep those hunger pangs at bay.
Assemble a "sick day" kit
It pays to be ready for those days when your diabetes or some other illness gets you down. With a "sick day" kit, you'll be prepared in case you need to stay home and recuperate or head out to see your doctor. Some of the items in your kit may include blood glucose monitoring supplies, ketone test strips, glucose tablets or gel, a thermometer, hand sanitizer, an alarm clock or timer to stay on top of your glucose levels, and soft tissues. It's your list so tailor it for your needs.
Create a small cookbook
There are restrictions on what people with diabetes can eat. But that shouldn't stop you from enjoying tasty treats. Scour special cookbooks and websites designed for diabetics and experiment with recipes. Choose from delicious ice cream cakes using light sugar, reduced-fat whipped toppings, sugar-free hot fudge sauce, or low-cal casserole because you don't have to suffer with less flavor because of diabetes.
Working with health care professionals who can offer you the personal care you need may help improve your health. And while it takes a team to manage diabetes, remember that you are the most important participant in your diabetes care.
Sources: National Institutes of Health, National Diabetes Association, National Today, Healthline
