American Diabetes Month

November 2011

This November, the American Diabetes Association brings to light the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of prevention and control.

“Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take steps to Stop Diabetes.”

Diabetes is a serious disease. If it isn’t managed, it can damage many parts of the body, leading to heart attacks, strokes, amputation, blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

Costs of Diabetes:

You are at risk if:

  • You are overweight.
  • A parent, brother or sister has diabetes.
  • You are African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander.
  • You had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds or had gestational diabetes.
  • You have high blood pressure.
  • You have low HDL (good cholesterol).
  • You have high triglycerides.

The good news is that diabetes and its complications can be prevented or delayed by properly managing blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eating healthy, being physically active and quitting smoking also can help lower the risks. Losing just 5 to 7 percent of body weight is an effective way to prevent type 2 diabetes in people with pre-diabetes.

Diabetes-Friendly Holidays
With the approaching holiday season, you can still enjoy meals and celebrations by using these tips from the American Diabetes Association:

  • Get back to simplicity – simply sauté or roast vegetables instead of using casseroles
  • Control portions – use smaller portions
  • Put salad in the spotlight – create something special using different ingredients
  • Add fresh veggies whenever you can – add a variety whenever you can
  • Switch to low-fat dairy – modify recipes using low-fat or reduced fat ingredients
  • Use herbs, spices and aromatics – compensate with different combinations of herbs and spices
  • Offer variety – add fruit salad or a bowl of fruit, hummus with veggies

Resources: American Diabetes Association

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