November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. As of the latest stats from 2015, the number of people living with diabetes in the U.S. was just over 30 million. Out of those, close to 29 million had type 2 diabetes.
These numbers are staggering. Another shocker? It was estimated that just over 80 million people in the U.S. had prediabetes (also as of 2015) and many of them were unaware they had the condition.
If you want to increase your chances of enjoying improved health and a longer lifespan, and be there for yourself and your loved ones (to enjoy scenes like this one below) it's important to know if you have prediabetes or diabetes.
Why? So you can take the necessary steps under the guidance of your healthcare provider and diabetes educator, to better manage your condition so you blood sugar stays under control (in your target range). This is key to help reduce your risk of developing the complications that can come from diabetes due to out of control (high) blood glucose.
If you're not sure if you've been tested for diabetes, ask your healthcare provider (MD, NP or PA) to check you for it. This typically involves testing your blood for a fasting blood sugar, and an A1C (hemoglobin A1C). Additional tests may be indicated depending on other medical conditions you have, any current signs or symptoms you may be experiencing, and your medical history.
If you don't know if you've been tested, take the first step and find out. Good luck and good health!
These numbers are staggering. Another shocker? It was estimated that just over 80 million people in the U.S. had prediabetes (also as of 2015) and many of them were unaware they had the condition.
If you want to increase your chances of enjoying improved health and a longer lifespan, and be there for yourself and your loved ones (to enjoy scenes like this one below) it's important to know if you have prediabetes or diabetes.
Why? So you can take the necessary steps under the guidance of your healthcare provider and diabetes educator, to better manage your condition so you blood sugar stays under control (in your target range). This is key to help reduce your risk of developing the complications that can come from diabetes due to out of control (high) blood glucose.
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| Photo by: Carole Jakucs, October, 2019. Image subject to copyright. |
If you're not sure if you've been tested for diabetes, ask your healthcare provider (MD, NP or PA) to check you for it. This typically involves testing your blood for a fasting blood sugar, and an A1C (hemoglobin A1C). Additional tests may be indicated depending on other medical conditions you have, any current signs or symptoms you may be experiencing, and your medical history.
If you don't know if you've been tested, take the first step and find out. Good luck and good health!
