November is American Diabetes Month, a month in which communities come together to team up and bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on prediabetes and preventing diabetes. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes— a serious health condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal.* Blood sugar levels in individuals that are prediabetic are not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetics yet.** Without lifestyle changes, individuals with prediabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Taking control of your own health and being proactive when it comes to preventing illness and disease is a positive approach to living a healthy life. Read below to see how three important steps can play a crucial role in preventing diabetes.
Prevention: Making healthy lifestyle choices can help individuals prevent prediabetes and progression to type 2 diabetes. Even if diabetes runs in your family, taking proper steps to prevent it are still helpful. Here are some healthy lifestyle choices that individuals can make to prevent diabetes:
- Eat healthy foods
- Don’t smoke
- Participate in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day
- Lose excess weight
- Control your blood pressure and cholesterol
Screenings: Having continuous conversations with your doctors regarding your blood pressure, Body Mass Index, and A1C are proactive steps to ensure that you are taking care of your health when it comes to preventing diabetes.
Treatment and Management: Treatment and management require a healthcare team that includes your primary care doctor, nutritionist, and endocrinologist. Putting together a team of doctors to manage your health will allow for the best possible care.
The American Diabetes Association is an helpful resource individuals can use in order to learn more about diabetes and the impact this disease has on one’s life. Throughout the month of November, the American Diabetes Association is hosting virtual educational events in honor of American Diabetes Month. You can view the upcoming virtual events for the remainder of the month here.
Need health coverage? During Open Enrollment (November 1, 2021 – January 15, 2022), our experienced navigators are available to help you sign up for a private health plan through Maryland Health Connection, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Private health plans cover essential benefits including primary care visits, prescription medication, and preventive screenings. To make an appointment with one of our expert navigators, call us at 410-500-4710 or 855-288-3667.
For more information regarding Open Enrollment, visit our website: https://www.healthcareaccessmaryland.org/i-need-health-coverage/
* https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/national-diabetes-month
** https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278
