National Diabetes Awareness Month: News You Can Use

Whether you have diabetes, or you have a family member or friend who has been diagnosed with the disease, diabetes touches many of us every day and shapes how we live our lives.

National Diabetes Month, which happens every November, is dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and management. While diabetes can be fatal if mismanaged or ignored, many people can live healthy, happy, and productive lives.

Below are the key things to remember when it comes to National Diabetes Month:

World Diabetes Day

November 14th is World Diabetes Day, and there are a variety of events such as marches, marathons, picnics, and sporting events which are dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes prevention and care. For more information about what’s happening in your community, just visit the International Diabetes Federation’s website at www.idf.org.

Building a Support System

Many people who have been diagnosed with diabetes feel isolated and alienated from their family and peers due to the disease and the challenges that can come with managing it.

If you have diabetes and are feeling alone, or know someone who is struggling with their diabetes, consider joining a support group for people with diabetes. Being able to share stories, celebrate successes, and support each other through tough times can go a long way towards creating feelings of inclusion and acceptance.

Feeling heard and understood can help with a variety of psychological issues and can make managing diabetes feel much easier.

Everyday Steps to Managing Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease which needs to be monitored and managed every single day.

Below are a few key steps to take to keep happy and healthy:

Check your feet. Too much glucose in your blood can lead to nerve damage and negatively affect blood flow. When your blood flow is affected you may begin to notice changes in your feet first, as they are the farthest part of your body away from your heart.

Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated not only helps you feel good and keeps your mind sharp, but it also helps your body function properly. Not just that, but drinking water in place of sugary or caloric beverages can make managing your diabetes much easier.

Preventing Problems

Preventative medicine and care are one of the easiest ways to manage diabetes, and it’s important to take these steps to stay as healthy as possible and prevent complications:

Get walking. Many people over-commit to gym routines or exercise regimens which are just too much and give up quickly. Instead, start by committing to walking 10,000 steps a day and go from there. Get a pedometer to track your progress.

Eat healthy. It’s easy to crunch on pre-processed food and snacks, but upping your fresh fruit and vegetable intake doesn’t just taste great – it’s also one of the easiest ways to maintain good health.

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