November is National Diabetes Month.

This year's theme is gestational diabetes: National Diabetes Month is focusing on gestational diabetes. This occurs to women who develop diabetes during pregnancy. Once a woman is diagnosed with this form of diabetes in pregnancy, she risks developing diabetes at some point later in her lifetime. You may also have a lifelong risk of diabetes if you give birth to a baby weighing over nine pounds.

National Diabetes Month was established to address the increasing prevalence of diabetes and its significant impact on public health. It is supported by healthcare organizations, advocacy groups, and individuals committed to diabetes awareness and prevention.

Over time, National Diabetes Month has played a vital role in promoting diabetes education, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and advancing research and treatment options to improve the lives of individuals living with diabetes.

WHY NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH IS IMPORTANT

A: There are two main conditions
• Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body can't produce insulin, a hormone in the pancreas that breaks down carbohydrates into blood sugar or glucose, for energy. Insulin therapy helps the pancreas to function normally. Many children suffer from Type 1 diabetes although it can affect people of any age or background.
• Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease where the body is unable to process our internal insulin well enough to keep blood sugar at normal levels.

B: Know your risk factors
• You may be predisposed to Type 2 diabetes if you are overweight, older than 45, your parent had Type 2 diabetes, you barely exercise each week, and you have been diagnosed with prediabetes. Losing weight is a key preventive measure. With a 10-14 pound weight loss, you can improve your chances of avoiding or even beating diabetes. Try to exercise about 30 minutes a day, five times per week.

For resources and more tips visit the following websites:
www.diabetes.org
www.niddk.nih.gov