Diabetes is a family affair

By Chris Campbell RN on November 2, 2014

National Diabetes Month, observed each year in November, is a time for communities across the country – and the world – to shine a spotlight on diabetes and encourage action to change the way diabetes is treated. World Diabetes Day takes place on November 14^th every year and is an official United Nations World Day. The date was chosen because it marks the birthday of Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, is credited with the discovery of insulin. Diabetes is a challenging disease that affects the entire family in many ways. This theme reinforces the work of particular diabetes research organizations and their partners who are working with individuals, families and communities to take action and encourage simple, but important lifestyle changes to improve their health – particularly if they have diabetes or are at risk for the disease.

 

 

Why is awareness about diabetes important?

• Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes.
• Another 79 million adults in the United States have prediabetes, a condition that increases their chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
• If left undiagnosed or untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and even death. With early diagnosis and treatment, people with diabetes may prevent the development of these health problems.
• The total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes in 2013 is $245 billion, including $176 billion in direct medical costs and $69 billion in reduced productivity.

 

If You Have a Family History of Diabetes, You Are At Risk.

• If you have a mother, father, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes, you are at risk for type 2 diabetes.
• Women who had gestational diabetes when they were pregnant are at risk for developing diabetes in the future, and so is their child from that pregnancy.
• The good news is that you can prevent or delay type 2 by losing a small amount of weight (if you are overweight), and by being more physically active.
• Talk to your family and find out if you have a family history of diabetes. If you have a family history of diabetes, make sure you share this information with your doctor.
• You can’t change your family health history, but knowing about it can help you change your future.
• Visit the National Diabetes Education Program at YourDiabetesInfo.org for more information.
• If you are living with diabetes or have a loved one with the disease, it is important to work together to manage diabetes to stay healthy and prevent complications.
• Research has shown that people with diabetes can lower their risk for serious health problems related to diabetes by managing the ABCs of diabetes—A1C, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol—and stopping smoking.
• Having a strong family support system helps people with diabetes cope with the day-to-day challenges associated with the disease.
• Managing diabetes isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Managing diabetes can be easier if you set goals and make a plan.
• Visit the National Diabetes Education Program at YourDiabetesInfo.org for more information.
• Community settings such as schools, worksites, senior centers, and places of worship are part of an extended family, and so is your health care team.

If You – Or Someone You Love – Has Diabetes, Family Support Is Important.

• If you are living with diabetes or have a loved one with the disease, it is important to work together to manage diabetes to stay healthy and prevent complications.
• Research has shown that people with diabetes can lower their risk for serious health problems related to diabetes by managing the ABCs of diabetes—A1C, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol—and stopping smoking.
• Having a strong family support system helps people with diabetes cope with the day-to-day challenges associated with the disease.
• Managing diabetes isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Managing diabetes can be easier if you set goals and make a plan.
• Visit the National Diabetes Education Program at YourDiabetesInfo.org for more information.
• Community settings such as schools, worksites, senior centers, and places of worship are part of an extended family, and so is your health care team.