American Diabetes Month

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) launches a campaign each November to raise awareness, management, and prevention of diabetes.

In the United States, it is currently estimated that 29.1 million people have diabetes. If you are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, Alaskan or Native American, or Pacific Islander, your likelihood of having diabetes is double that of Caucasian Americans.

For people with poorly managed diabetes, the consequences can be serious. The risk of being hospitalized for a heart attack or stroke is nearly double than those without diabetes. The good news is that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help improve diabetes for those who have it, and lower the risk of getting diabetes for those don’t. This means:

• Getting regular physical activity – 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week
• Eating healthy – high fiber, heart-healthy fats in limited amounts, limited/no refined sugars and processed foods
• Minimizing stress
• Quitting smoking
• Practicing routine preventive self-care – visit your primary care provider at least once a year, see the eye doctor annually and the dentist every six months, and have bloodwork done routinely

The ADA encourages Americans to live a more active lifestyle. Through social media and an interactive web page the Association shares healthy cooking tips, diabetes and nutrition facts, and recipes. Visit www.diabetesforecast.org/adm for weekly ideas on staying healthy throughout the holiday season.

For additional information about diabetes and for local diabetes education, contact The AGH Outpatient Diabetes Education Program. We offer an education program that has been recognized by the ADA for quality self-management education, and hold two support groups monthly, one in Berlin and one in Ocean Pines. Please call us at 410-641-9703 for details.