National Diabetes Month

November marks National Diabetes Month, dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes, a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide. The month serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding, preventing and managing diabetes to improve quality of life and reduce its widespread impact.

National Diabetes Month encourages education about diabetes risk factors, symptoms and prevention strategies. Early detection is crucial, as lifestyle changes and medical intervention can prevent or delay the progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes occurs when the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. There are two primary types of diabetes:

 

·        type 1, an autoimmune condition; and

·        type 2, often linked to lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise.

 

Raising awareness is important for several reasons, including:

 

·        promoting early detection;

·        encouraging prevention;

·        educating on diabetes management;

·        reducing stigma;

·        highlighting resources and support; and

·        advocating for research and policy changes.

 

There are many resources available to learn more about diabetes, including the American Diabetes Association and the National Diabetes Month Toolkit. However, the best resource is a healthcare professional specializing in diabetes management and prevention.

 

PFRPA Corporate Sponsor Virta Health offers support in nutrition and diabetes management, focused on a ‘Food as Medicine’ approach. Tens of thousands of Virta’s members have achieved sustained weight loss; improvements in blood sugar; and type 2 diabetes reversal, while reducing or even eliminating medications like insulin and GLP- 1s.

 

Although National Diabetes Month occurs just once per year, maintaining an awareness and understanding of diabetes helps to recognize the importance of early detection, healthy lifestyle choices and proper management practices. Regularly discussing diabetes will ensure that these important messages and awareness measures are prioritized and the conversation about diabetes is continued.