This National Diabetes Month, get the facts about preventing diabetes

November is National Diabetes Month. Also called Diabetes Awareness Month, these 30 days are an opportunity to spread awareness about diabetes. There’s good reason for that—diabetes is one of the most prevalent conditions among Americans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 37 million people in the United States are living with diabetes and many more are at risk of developing the condition.

Wondering how to reduce your risk and protect your health? Our University Medical Center New Orleans team offers the details below.

What to know about diabetes

You probably know that diabetes is related to your blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the level of sugar in the blood is too high.

There are two primary types of diabetes, which differ in how they affect the body and cause high blood sugar. They’re both related to insulin, which is a hormone responsible for processing and distributing glucose as energy for the body.

Type 1 diabetes occurs because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or produces no insulin at all. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, occurs when the body is resistant to insulin, basically ignoring its presence.

Both types of diabetes can lead to serious health issues if left untreated, including kidney disease, heart disease, nerve problems and vision problems. Effectively managing diabetes is important after being diagnosed.

Prediabetes: a red flag for your health

Prediabetes is a health condition where your blood sugar is elevated but not to the level of Type 2 diabetes.

Many Americans are in this danger zone. More than one in three American adults, or approximately 96 million Americans, have prediabetes.

If you’re diagnosed with prediabetes, consider it a wake-up call. It’s your opportunity to make changes that can positively impact your health and prevent Type 2 diabetes. Making lifestyle changes can help lower your blood sugar to a healthy range.

Your guide to preventing Type 2 diabetes

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes and want to avoid Type 2 diabetes or simply want to protect yourself from high blood sugar, there are many steps you can take.

While Type 1 diabetes typically has a genetic component, the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are largely related to our everyday habits. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help you keep your blood sugar regulated and your body healthy.

Take these steps to prevent Type 2 diabetes:

• Aim for a healthy weight. Talk with your medical provider about what a healthy weight looks like for you. Even losing a few pounds can have a big impact.
• Move your body more. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, which is just about 22 minutes per day. Totally doable, right? Any activity that gets your heart pumping counts, so walk, dance or garden to your heart’s content.
• Make healthy food choices. Fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods. Half of your plate should contain fruits or veggies, one-fourth should consist of lean protein, such as chicken or fish, and the last one-fourth should hold whole grains, such as long-grain brown rice or whole-wheat bread.
• Limit your alcohol consumption. We aren’t saying to cut it out entirely—just cut back! Heavy alcohol consumption can cause inflammation in the pancreas, which can negatively affect insulin production.
• Manage your health conditions. If you have other health conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, work with your primary care provider to keep them effectively under control.

Your best defense against Type 2 diabetes is simply to live a healthier life. Do everything you can to protect your health, and your blood sugar will follow.

Keeping an eye on your blood sugar can help you prevent diabetes. Schedule an appointment with a University Medical Center primary care provider today to get a good look at your health.