Diabetes Awareness Month: Risks and Prevention Tips
COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT -- November is American Diabetes Awareness Month and November 14th is World Diabetes Day! There are three types of diabetes (type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.) Most people who have diabetes have type 2 diabetes, which is when the body does not make enough insulin or the insulin they make does not work right and they have too much sugar in their bloodstream. However, did you know that pre-diabetes comes before type 2 diabetes and if caught in time, it can be reversed?
Health Risks of Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of serious health complications such as blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, amputation, and death. In Santa Clara County, diabetes is the #6 reason why residents pass away. Additionally, medical costs for people with type 2 diabetes are double that of people without the disease.
The good news is that type 2 diabetes is preventable!
Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes
Visit the American Diabetes Association website to take a screening test to see if you may be at risk for type 2 diabetes. One (1) in 3 adults have pre-diabetes and don’t know they have it. If you score “at risk” on the screening test, ask your doctor for an A1C blood test to confirm if you really have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes can be managed! There are many classes, programs, and ways to connect with others who can help you on your journey to live a healthier life. Visit the American Diabetes Association’s Find a Diabetes Education Program to see what works for you.
If you want to start preventing or managing type 2 diabetes right now, try making small changes like the ideas below.
- Take deep breaths. When you’re feeling stressed, pause… take 3 deep breaths...think about something that makes you smile.
- Seek counseling. Need to speak confidentially to a counselor? Call Mental Health Services at 1-800-704-0900, or Crisis Textline: Text RENEW to 741741
- Add more fruits and veggies to your daily meals. Need food? Call Second Harvest at 1-800-984-3663 or visit www.shfb.org.
- Stay active! Being active has many health benefits. It helps improve your mood and overall health. Find local parks in your community at www.sccparkshealth.org.
- Stay hydrated! Drink more water. Swap sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks for water. Add ice and/or lemon if you can.
- Make sleep a priority. Get at least 7 hours of sleep every night.
- Cut tobacco use. If you smoke, help your body heal by quitting all tobacco products.