What is Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus occurs when the body cannot produce or respond appropriately to insulin, a hormone that absorbs and uses glucose (sugar) as fuel for cells. The stats are staggering: Approximately 30 million Americans (9 percent) have diabetes and another 84 million Americans (26 percent) have pre-diabetes. Diabetes lowers life expectancy by up to 15 years, increases the risk of heart disease by 2 to 4 times, and is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations, and adult-onset blindness.
That might sound like a lot of bad news, but the important thing to remember: Your diabetes can be controlled. Through good self-management skills and collaboration with a health care provider, you can still live a healthy, fulfilling, active life while preventing complications.
Risk Factors – Are you at risk for pre-diabetes? Certain factors include:
- Being 45 years old or older
- Having a history of gestational diabetes
- Having a parent or sibling with diabetes
- Having high blood pressure, being overweight and participating in exercise fewer than three times per week
Lowering your risk for diabetes requires manageable lifestyle changes such as weight loss, being more physically active, managing stress, and making healthy eating decisions.
World Diabetes Day 2021 falls on Sunday, November 14th.
This year marks the biggest day of the year for the global diabetes community. November 14th marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who led the team of researchers that discovered Insulin 100 years ago. On Sunday November 14th will you be out walking, trekking, swimming, surfing, golfing, cycling, or taking part in a family activity? If so, wear BLUE and celebrate the discovery of insulin, 100 years life-changing moment for people with diabetes all over the world.
