Diabetes Awareness

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month!  As such, we want to help spread the word about how important it is to be screened for diabetes.

Why is being screened for diabetes important?

• 23.6 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes 
• Nearly one-quarter of those do not know they have diabetes 
• One in five Americans is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more common in: 

• African Americans, 
• Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders,
• Latinos, 
• Native Americans, and, 
• Older people.

What Should I do if I am Diagnosed with Diabetes?

If you have diabetes, or even suspect that you do, it is important to see your physician regularly so that you can take the proper medical action. By staying on top of their health, people with diabetes can avoid dangerous health risks such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. Seeing your Primary Care Provider (PCP) on a regular basis is a smart habit for each and every one of us, but because diabetes is a chronic disease it is vital.

Everyone should be informed about the risk factors of diabetes and the ways we can protect one of our most valuable assets, our health! To learn more, visit the American Diabetes Associations Web site at http://www.diabetes.org/.