According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 37.3 million Americans have diabetes, and nearly 1 in 5 dont know they have it. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the US. To help lower these statistics, NJ Spine and Wellness is spreading awareness during American Diabetes Month.
We want to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to find resources and educate themselves on the types of diabetes that can occur and how to prevent or manage symptoms. Additionally, we want to encourage people to make a difference in theircommunities by discussing ways to get involved during American Diabetes Month.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that impacts how your body uses glucose or blood sugar. When you have diabetes, your body either can't make insulin or can't properly use the insulin it pr duces. This causes glucose to build up in your blood instead of being used for energy. There are two main types of diabetes.
Type One
Type one diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction and is often diagnosed in childhood. Currently, there is no way to prevent type one diabetes, and people with this disease must take synthetic human insulin every day to live.
Type Two
This is the most commonly occurring type of diabetes, and it develops when your body can’t use insulin properly, keeping blood sugar levels high. This type of diabetes often takes years to develop and tends to be diagnosed in adults. However, more children are being diagnosed with type two diabetes as early diagnostic technology improves and the obesity epidemic spreads, consequently increasing the development of insulin resistance in children.
Managing and Preventing Diabetes
Type two diabetes may be asymptomatic, but this does not mean it should go unmonitored or undiagnosed, as symptoms can develop over time. Therefore, having your blood sugar levels checked regularly is an integral part of managing and preventing the condition. In addition, there are a few other ways you may manage and prevent type two diabetes, such as:
- Eating healthy foods, including lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- Getting regular physical activity to control your weight
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing alcohol consumption
If you have been diagnosed with type two diabetes, your doctor may suggest using medications or insulin therapy to manage your diabetes. Your trusted NJ Spine and Wellness team may provide you with an exercise regimen and nutritional counseling to improve your diet and help you take control of and, in some cases, prevent diabetes.
Learn More About Nutrition Counseling
Improve Your Overall Health With NJ Spine and Wellness
Spreading the word on social media, donating to diabetes research, or attending awareness events, are excellent ways to show your support during American Diabetes Month.
Moreover, November is a good time to establish healthy habits in your daily routine to reduce your risk of diabetes. Passing these good habits on to your loved ones may also help prevent the spread of diabetes.
NJ Spine and Wellness is dedicated to providing patients with a well-rounded approach to care. This includes everything from pain management to nutrition counseling. We believe having a variety of services makes it easier for our patients to prioritize their health. Contact us today to start living a healthier life.
