November is American Diabetes Month, which is an annual campaign that focuses on increasing awareness and focusing attention on the issues surrounding diabetes.
Facts & Stats [1]
- Diabetes affects nearly 30 million children and adults in the U.S. today – nearly 10% of the population.
- Another 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
- Diabetes nearly doubles the risk for heart attack and for death from heart disease.
- Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
- Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among working-age adults.
- The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. is $245 billion.
- 1 in 5 health care dollars is spent caring for people with diabetes.
Diabetes Prevention Tips [2]
If you are overweight, have high blood pressure, or are age 45 or older, you are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that making healthy changes can greatly lower your risk. Here are tips on how to help prevent type 2 diabetes:
- Choose healthy foods and reduce portion sizes.
- Watch your weight carefully.
- Get moving! Add more activity daily until you reach a minimum of 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
- Brisk walking is a great way to be active. Walk slowly for a few minutes to warm up then increase your speed over time.
- Make a plan – plan your meals ahead of time to avoid reaching for unhealthy options.
Here’s how you can take action! [2]
- Add information about preventing type 2 diabetes to your newsletter.
- Tweet about American Diabetes Month and include the following hashtag: #diabetes
- Host a community event where families can be active while learning about local health resources
- Add a Diabetes web badge to your website by clicking here.
