November is Diabetes Awareness Month. It is the perfect time to take charge of your diabetes to live a longer and healthier life! More than 29 million people in the United States have diabetes, but 1 in 4 people are not aware they have it. There are three different types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational (diabetes while pregnant). With type 1 diabetes, your body cannot process insulin, so you must take insulin every day. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body cannot utilize insulin well, so your sugar level fluctuates from normal levels. 9 out of 10 people with diabetes have type 2. Doctors advise being tested for diabetes if you have any concerns or risk factors listed below. Risk Factors for type 2 Diabetes:-Overweight-45 years or older-Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes-Lack of physical activity-Ever having gestational diabetes or having a baby weighing more than 9 lbs -Ethnicity and race also increase your chances of diabetes. If you are African American, Hispanic American, or Pacific American, your chances are higher. Diabetics are prone to have foot complications if they do not keep their diabetes under control. Make sure to check back on the blog for diabetic information and tips throughout the month of November. As always, if you have any foot complications, especially if you are diabetic, please give our office a call at (615)220-8788.
