Not only is November National Diabetes Month in the U.S., but World Diabetes Day falls on November 14, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting. Together with Charles Best, Banting discovered insulin in 1922.
So, why are we making such a big deal out of diabetes? Because, according to the World Health Organization, diabetes is responsible for one death every seven seconds. Globally, it impacts 366 million people, and half of those affected don’t know it.
Prevention and management
With the “Small Steps, Big Difference” campaign, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases focuses on prevention and prediabetes. They recommend:
- Starting small and avoiding the temptation to make major lifestyle changes right away—baby steps
- Exercising for a half hour, five days a week—or try taking three 10-minute walks throughout the day
- Eating and drinking healthier—avoid sugary drinks, eat high-fiber food, and keep an eye out for fat and sugar
- Check out this resource for building a healthy dish
- Reaching a healthy weight—this goes hand-in-hand with diet and exercise, but “losing 5% to 7% of your starting weight” may help prevent diabetes
- Asking for help—seek support from friends, family, and healthcare professionals
- Getting (and maintaining) your shots—people with diabetes are at an increased risk for COVID-19 and the flu
For people with diabetes, remember the ABCs:
- A1C: Know your blood glucose levels
- Blood pressure: Ask your provider about what’s healthy for you
- Cholesterol: Be aware of your high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL, or “good” and “bad” cholesterol)
- Smoking cessation: Make a plan to quit smoking if you haven’t already
Get Involved
Whether you have diabetes, prediabetes, or simply want to support a friend or family member affected by these conditions, there are plenty of ways to help out this month.
Create or join upcoming events through the American Diabetes Association, such as:
- The Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes
- Tour de Cure
To participate in World Diabetes Day, the International Diabetes Federation also offers a variety of activities to promote access to care, such as the Global Diabetes Walk.
National Diabetes Month and World Diabetes Day provide excellent opportunities to spread awareness about diabetes and prediabetes. However you decide to participate, remember to stay safe and healthy!
To learn more about this program and how it could help you or one of your patients, email us at preventdiabetes@trhc.com.
We’ve partnered with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to offer the National Diabetes Prevention Program. This program includes both telehealth and digital care services, including video and online programming. Visit Prevent Diabetes for more information. You can also contact us at 1-844-326-3043 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., MST, Monday through Friday. The National Diabetes Prevention Program is offered by Tabula Rasa HealthCare and the APhA Foundation and is funded by the CDC.
**Please do not send personal health information to preventdiabetes@trhc.com. We take your confidentiality seriously.**
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