American Diabetes Month

November 2024

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when your blood glucose (sugar) is too high. It affects about 38 million Americans.

Symptoms of Diabetes

• Feeling very thirsty

• Needing to urinate more often than usual

• Blurred vision

• Feeling tired

• Losing weight unintentionally

Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer.

People with diabetes also have a higher risk of health problems including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1

• Deficient insulin production, requires daily administration of insulin. Neither its cause nor means to prevent it are known.

Type 2

• Affects how your body uses sugar for energy. Stops body from using insulin properly. Often preventable.

Taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes-related health problems.

Tips to Get Started

• Know your risk

  • More likely to develop Type 2 diabetes if you:

    • are overweight or obese

    • are age 35 years or older

    • are not physically active

    • have a family history of diabetes

• Manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels

• Take small steps toward healthy habits. These don’t have to be done all at once - start slow

• Reach or maintain a healthy weight

• Take care of your mental health

• Work with your health care team