November is American Diabetes Month and if you or a loved one is one of the 34 million Americans with diabetes you know how challenging staying on top of your health can be. During the month of November the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is hosting several virtual events to learn about everything from the science behind diabetes to stocking a healthy pantry.
More than 1.5 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with diabetes this year and while getting a diabetes diagnosis can be overwhelming there are resources to help. The ADA has printable fact sheets on how to keep your heart, kidneys and vision healthy while living with diabetes, along with resources specific to men, women or children and those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
If you are living with diabetes and want more help keeping it under control, let us know. Routine health screenings and check-ups at Horizon Family Medical Group are important to living a healthy life. For those living with diabetes, staying healthy isn’t just about keeping your blood sugar in the right range. Staying healthy with diabetes involves regular visits with your doctor and should include the following screenings:
- Foot checks to watch for signs of diabetic neuropathy.
- Watching for symptoms of chronic kidney disease.
- Vision exams. Dilated eye exams are important for those living with diabetes.
- Keeping an eye out for signs of heart disease like high blood pressure or cholesterol.
We can also provide resources and information about nutrition, exercise and other lifestyle changes that can help make managing your diabetes as easy as possible. If you are concerned about your risk for diabetes you can take a 60-second quiz from the ADA to determine your risk level or talk to your healthcare professional about any concerns you may have.