eNewsletter
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. During this month, there is an emphasis on the disease and those are effected by it. In 2020, this is especially important due to the fact that those who have diabetes are vulnerable to COVID-19. This represents a large population in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in ten or around 34 million people have diabetes. They estimate that 88 million have prediabetes.
There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction that prevents one’s body from producing insulin. Type 2 is when one’s body does not properly use insulin and can not manage blood at a normal level. Gestational diabetes is when a pregnant woman develops diabetes who has never had it before. Babies whose mothers have it are vulnerable in developing Type 2 diabetes.
These are the symptoms of diabetes according to the CDC:
- Urinate frequently
- Frequently thirsty
- Lose weight without trying
- Very Hungry
- Feel very tired
- Have blurry vision
- Have numb or tingling outer extremities
- Have more infections than usual
- Unusually dry skin
- Slowly healing sores
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pains
To manage the disease, the CDC outlined tips and recommendations on their website. Along with visits to one’s doctor and daily blood level tests, there are recommendations regarding exercise, nutrition and coping with stress. Some of these include meal planning, grocery shopping, exercise plans, and creating a diabetes care schedule.
Stay safe and healthy!