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National Diabetes Month 2023


Preventing Diabetes Health Problems


November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country seek to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on taking action to prevent diabetes health problems.


Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 37 million Americans, including adults and youth. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer.

But there’s also good news: Taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems.


But there’s also good news: Taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems.


Tips to Get Started


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

Research shows that managing your diabetes as soon as possible after diagnosis may help prevent diabetes health problems. You can start by managing your diabetes ABCs.

  • A is for the A1C test that health care professionals use to measure your average blood glucose levels. Some people with diabetes also use devices to track their blood glucose throughout the day and night.

  • B is for blood pressure.

  • C is for cholesterol.

Ask your health care team what your ABCs goals should be.


Take small steps toward healthy habits.

Lifestyle habits such as planning healthy meals, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and not smoking may help you manage your diabetes ABCs. You don’t have to do it all at once. Start slow and build healthier habits from there.


Take your medicines on time.

Remember to take your medicines even if you feel healthy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble taking your medicines on time or at the correct dose.


Reach or maintain a healthy weight.

If you have overweight or obesity, ask your primary care provider if healthy eating, physical activity, or other weight-loss treatments may help you manage your weight.

Take care of your mental health.

Managing diabetes can be hard. If you feel down, sad, or overwhelmed, learn about healthy ways to cope with stress. Consider talking to a mental health counselor or joining a support group.


Work with your health care team.

Managing diabetes takes a team. Your health care team may include a primary care provider, diabetes specialist, registered dietitian, or certified diabetes educator. Ask your primary care provider if you should talk with other health care professionals about your diabetes.

Diabetes medicines, devices, and office visits can be expensive. A social worker or a member of your health care team may be able to help you find community resources or financial help for diabetes care.


Source // National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, (2023). National Diabetes Month 2023. Retrieved from

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/national-diabetes-month#:~:text=November%20is%20National%20Diabetes%20Month,blood%20sugar%2C%20is%20too%20high.

16 Comments


Roy
a day ago

GLB to OBJ is a great resource for anyone looking to understand the importance of managing blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. The reminder that diabetes can affect so many systems, like the heart and kidneys, really underscores the need for small, consistent steps. It's encouraging to know that taking charge can make a real difference.

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youmiro
2 days ago

GLB to OBJ provides a helpful overview of National Diabetes Month 2023. It's great to see the focus on actionable steps like managing blood glucose and working with a healthcare team. The statistic about 37 million Americans really highlights the importance of this awareness.

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The emphasis on managing diabetes ABCs is a crucial takeaway from this article. It's empowering to know that small lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on health outcomes. I’m particularly interested in how planning healthy meals and incorporating physical activity can fit into a busy schedule. For anyone navigating similar challenges, it might be helpful to explore community events or fun activities, like the upcoming Scooby Doo Creepy Run, to stay motivated while focusing on health goals. Scooby Doo Creepy Run

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Joey
Aug 06

The statistic that 37 million Americans are affected by diabetes really puts things in perspective, and resources like gesture synth can help with those small daily steps. It’s a good reminder that management is an ongoing, daily practice rather than one big change.

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L'article souligne l'importance de gérer son taux de glucose, de pression artérielle et de cholestérol pour prévenir les complications liées au diabète. J'apprécie particulièrement le conseil de prendre des petites étapes vers des habitudes saines. Cela me rappelle que même de simples outils comme un tracker de santé, que l'on peut trouver sur GWYF Guide, peuvent vraiment aider à suivre ces objectifs.

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