November is American Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness, promote healthy lifestyles, and empower those living with diabetes. Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions of Americans, disrupts how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose). This can lead to serious health problems if left unmanaged.
Understanding Diabetes:
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: The body produces little to no insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects.
The Growing Challenge:
Diabetes is a growing epidemic. According to the American Diabetes Association, over 34 million Americans have diabetes, and 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes (increased risk of developing diabetes).
Taking Control:
The good news is that diabetes can be managed with a healthy lifestyle, including:
- Balanced Diet: Eating nutritious foods and managing portion sizes are crucial.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps control blood sugar levels.
- Weight Management: Losing even a modest amount of weight can significantly improve blood sugar control.
- Medications: Following doctor-prescribed medications is essential for some individuals.
Beyond Awareness – A Call to Action:
This American Diabetes Month, let’s go beyond awareness and take action:
- Know Your Risk: Familiarize yourself with the risk factors for diabetes and get screened regularly.
- Make Healthy Choices: Prioritize a healthy diet and regular exercise in your daily routine.
- Support Loved Ones: If someone you know has diabetes, offer encouragement and support.
- Advocate for Change: Support policies that promote healthy eating and physical activity.
- Donate or Volunteer: Contribute to organizations supporting diabetes research, education, and support services.
Resources for Your Journey:
- American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/index.html
Together We Can Make a Difference:
By taking action this American Diabetes Month, we can educate ourselves, support those affected, and advocate for a future free from the complications of diabetes. Let’s work towards a world where everyone, regardless of background, has access to the resources and support they need to manage this chronic condition and live a healthy life.
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
