November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and November 14 is World Diabetes Day. Use this time to learn about diabetes, including your risk level, and prevent its development in yourself or a loved one.
With an estimated 30 million adults in the U.S. living with diabetes, it’s one of the leading causes of disability and premature death. But with education and commitment, those facing this chronic condition can successfully manage its symptoms.
KNOW THE TYPES OF DIABETES
Type 1 Diabetes occurs naturally when the body produces little or no insulin, requiring daily insulin injections to maintain blood sugar. Type 1 can develop at any age but is most common in children.
In Type 2 Diabetes, the body is resistant to or unable to make efficient use of insulin. Managing Type 2 requires maintaining a healthy body weight, diet and exercise, and sometimes medication.
Gestational Diabetes is a common pregnancy complication where the mother does not make a normal amount of insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. It usually returns to normal after pregnancy.
It’s also helpful to note, most people who develop Type 2 have prediabetes first, or blood sugar that’s high enough to be a concern, but not an official diagnosis. Those living with this stage can and should take important steps to slow or prevent the onset of diabetes.
Download our flyer to learn more about diabetes and steps you can take to prevent it.
RISK FACTORS FOR PREDIABETES & TYPE 2 DIABETES
Those with the following risk factors should pay special attention to their numbers and overall health to keep diabetes from developing.
Family History | Unhealthy Body Weight | Poor Nutrition | Physical Inactivity | Increasing Age | High Blood Pressure | Ethnicity | Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT)
NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Knowing these five important measurements can give you an accurate picture of your health. Ask your doctor to share your numbers to help you understand your risk and create a treatment plan to keep them within a healthy range.
- BMI (Body Mass Index) & Waist Circumference
- Blood Pressure
- A1C (Average Blood Glucose Levels)
- Cholesterol
- Kidney Function
BRMS SUPPORTS DIABETES MANAGEMENT
At BRMS, we’re here to help members living with diabetes of any kind control their condition and live a healthy life. Our in-house team of registered nurses can assist with nutrition, fitness advice, prescription management, treatment plans and referrals. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, connect with a BRMS Case Manager today.