7 Surprising Facts About Diabetes

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. With a huge number of Americans affected by prediabetes and diabetes, it’s the perfect time of year to share some surprising facts to help you better understand this disease.

 

  1. Prediabetes affects one in three American adults. As a refresher, prediabetes is when your blood sugar is in a “danger zone” and could develop into full-blown diabetes within 5 years, unless you take steps to improve your health. Unfortunately, many of those with prediabetes don’t know that they have it. Ask your doctor for a blood test if you don’t know your blood sugar number, especially if you are in your mid 40s or older or if you have a family history of diabetes.

 

  1. A little loss leads to big health gains. A large government study of people with prediabetes found that even just a 5% to 7% weight loss with the help of better dietary choices, exercise, and the National Diabetes Prevention Program (which provides behavioral support and guidance) led to a smaller number of people developing diabetes within five years. Think of it like this: For a 200-lb. person, a 5% weight loss is just 10 lbs. Although weight loss is always challenging, 10 lbs. is a realistic goal—and can have positive effects on your health.

 

  1. Medicare will foot the bill for a diabetes support program. In the past year, Medicare (the health care program for those age 65 and over) agreed to pay the costs of the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program for those who have prediabetes. This behavioral modification program offers help and support for healthier life choices and builds off of the National Diabetes Prevention Program. Follow the link here for more information and to find the program in your area.

 

  1. There’s a difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes happens suddenly and is not always predictable. Although it’s sometimes called juvenile diabetes, it can develop in adults, even older ones. Type 2 is diabetes that develops later in life and is more common in those who are overweight, older, or those who smoke. However, there’s a rise in the number of children and teens developing Type 2 diabetes.

 

  1. Diabetes isn’t just about your blood sugar numbers. Diabetes affects just about all of your body’s systems, include the eyes, kidneys, heart, hearing, brain, gums and oral health, and much more. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant about your diabetes risk. If you already have diabetes, make healthy lifestyle choices and see your primary care doctor and any recommended specialists on a regular basis.

 

Call Secure Aging to Help Your Older Loved One Lead a Better Life

At Secure Aging in Bradenton, we transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned family members. We can help your older loved one not fall prey to the financial scams and help them obtain better care. The mission of Secure Aging is to protect and preserve our client’s independence and dignity through careful and thoughtful financial and care management. As our clients age, it is their desire to remain independent and age with dignity. Our services protect our clients from talented con artists looking to exploit and deplete the financial resources of our vulnerable seniors. Secure Aging helps families in Manatee County and Sarasota County and in and around the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Palmetto, Parrish, and Sarasota. Call us at 941-761-9338, or visit us online at www.secureaging.com.

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