Did you know that diabetes is one of the main causes of blindness, amputation, kidney failure, and other conditions?
Unfortunately, more than 34 million people in the United States have diabetes. 1 in 5 of them is unaware of their condition. You could be working or spending time with your family and friends, yet you could be suffering from this disease.
So, before we get too excited about the holiday season, let us remember that November is National Diabetes Month. This yearly event aims to promote awareness about diabetes risks, symptoms, kinds, and preventive options.
What do we need to know about diabetes?
Interestingly, diabetes is the 7th greatest cause of death in the United States. It is one of the major causes of death worldwide, second only to diarrheal diseases (World Health Organization, 2020). Data from the CDCP also show that more than a third of US adults have pre-diabetes. 24.2 million of them are 65 years old or older.
Further, people with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. It can also lead to blindness and other complications. One example is diabetic retinopathy that affected over 7 million Americans. diabetic retinopathy is a condition characterized by chronic high blood sugar affecting the retina’s blood vessels.
What’s more alarming is that the expense of medical care for diabetics is twice as much as for non-diabetics.
How do we lower the risk of getting diabetes?
Knowing your diabetes risk level can assist you in preparing for or avoiding the disease. Here are some things we can take to reduce our chances of developing diabetes.
Control your ABCs.
ABCs stands for A1C, Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol. A1C is a blood test that determines your average blood sugar level over the past few months. Apart from taking the test, checking your blood pressure and cholesterol might help you keep track of your diabetes risk.
High blood pressure and cholesterol are major health problems that can result in complications such as diabetes and heart attacks. Hence, it’s a good idea to see your doctor on a regular basis.
The recommended A1C level is less than 7%. Blood pressure should be less than 140/90, and LDL cholesterol should be less than 100.
Balanced diet.
When it comes to health, a well-balanced diet is unbeatable. Healthy eating options such as plant-based foods and healthy fats are recommended to minimize the risk of diabetes. Plants supply vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. Healthy fats found in olive oil, nuts, and tuna can help maintain a healthy blood cholesterol level and cardiovascular health.
Dairy products and meat containing saturated fats, on the other hand, should be consumed in moderation. Because fiber-rich foods are high in energy, they can help you eat less. So, it is a good option to try too. Lastly, you can create customized meal plans that will benefit your overall health and family.
Be more physically active and get rid of excess fat.
Physical inactivity, according to reports and research, can put a person at risk for diabetes. On the other hand, physical activity can help you lose weight, control your blood sugar, and improve your mental health. You can look at aerobic or resistance exercise, and limiting inactivity as possibilities for physical activity.
Whether you walk around, stretch, or go for a refreshing morning run, physical activities are beneficial to your health. It is important not to overlook it.
Aside from these suggestions, we should not overlook the opportunity to get ourselves and our families covered too. Having diabetes or any health-related concerns can be stressful and costly. Getting the right coverage plan can help you prepare and protect your family from the effects of diabetes.
At Simple Choice, we provide a full understanding of how we can help protect you against unanticipated health issues. With proper knowledge about diabetes and how health insurance helps, we can help each other fight the risk of diabetes.
Talk to one of our agents today at 832-626-7791 or book an appointment with us.