November Is American Diabetes Month

An estimated 1 in 3 American adults have prediabetes; and of these 88 million people, over 80% aren’t aware of their condition. People with prediabetes are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Emerging research also suggests that people with diabetes may be more at risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms if infected. The good news is that by committing to a few simple lifestyle changes, people at risk of getting or those with prediabetes can dramatically reduce their likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes or other major health complications.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes impacts the body’s metabolism of sugar. In a healthy person, insulin aids in the absorption of sugar from foods, so that the body can use it for energy. In people with type 2 diabetes, however, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or respond to insulin properly. As a result, sugars build up in the bloodstream. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed by elevated blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can cause many health complications, including blindness or other serious eye problems, kidney disease, nerve damage, and other health issues. Because some complications develop without symptoms, it’s important to have your doctor screen you for prediabetes regularly.

How Do I Prevent Type 2 Diabetes?
Two major factors that dramatically increase the risk of diabetes are being overweight and being inactive. The good news is that by integrating a few small healthy behaviors into their daily routine, people can reduce the impact of complications and decrease the chance that prediabetes turns into diabetes or other major health concerns. 

Information adapted from our wellness partner, The Monday Campaigns. 

Want More Information?
Keep an eye on the Daily Flyer throughout the month of November for a series highlighting diabetes. Over the next 4 Tuesdays, the Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW) will provide information and resources on the following steps to improve health outcomes for those who do not have diabetes as well as those who have been diagnosed.

• Eat Well
• Get Active or Increase Activity
• Know Your Numbers
• Achieve and Maintain a Healthy Weight

Check out the following resources:

• Know Diabetes by Heart™ | Managing Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Risks
• Diabetes – NIDDK (nih.gov)
• Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity | CDC
• ABCs of Diabetes Management (nutritioneducationstore.com)
• Diabetes Day by Day | Journals Gateway | American Diabetes Association (diabetesjournals.org)

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO), employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu