November is American Diabetes Month

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Diabetes is a condition that affects over 30 million Americans (that is, almost 10% of the population), along with another 85 million people who have pre-diabetic symptoms that may eventually become full-blown diabetes

According to the CDC, diabetes continues to grow and awareness is the first step in helping prevent or manage this disease. Diabetes rates are highest among Hispanic-Americans, African-Americans and Asian-Americans. However, non-Hispanic whites are also affected by diabetes, especially as they approach the third age.

Although there are various types of diabetes, these are the most common among the US population:

  • Type 1 Diabetes – This type of diabetes is defined by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin. In this type of diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, which hinders the ability to produce insulin. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 200,000 new cases of Type 1 Diabetes are diagnosed every year.
  • Type 2 Diabetes – This type of diabetes is a chronic condition and currently there is no cure for it. Type 2 affects how a human processes glucose and as a result, the body may not be able to produce insulin naturally. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 3 million new cases of Type 2 Diabetes are diagnosed every year.
  • Gestational Diabetes – This type of diabetes affects many pregnant women, who must get tested to learn if they have it. Once a diagnosis is made, they must work with a medical doctor to prepare a nutrition plan and increase their physical activity to manage it and avoid causing complications for the mother or the baby.
  • Pre-Diabetes – Usually a preamble to diabetes given that it is characterized by high blood sugar levels, but not high enough to be considered Type 2 Diabetes.

November is Diabetes Awareness MonthChildren are also at risk of diabetes largely due to family health history and genetic traits. And if it isn’t identified as soon as symptoms manifest in a child, diabetes can cause even more severe effects in their health–including heart disease, kidney disease and other related ailments.

Obese individuals, whether adults or children, can be at risk of diabetes as a result of their weight and a lack of physical activity. However, eating healthy foods that are low in carbohydrates and fat can help prevent diabetes or slow down pre-diabetes to keep it from evolving into full-blown diabetes.

Another little-known fact is that diabetes is a leading cause of deaths in the United States–more so than AIDS/HIV and certain types of cancer combined. That said, the rapid growth of diabetes is quickly catalyzing this disease into possibly becoming a nationwide epidemic.

Want to learn more about diabetes and how to prevent or manage it? Visit the American Diabetes Association or the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to learn about the symptoms, prevention and management of diabetes.

 

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—Here’s How You Can Learn More About This Disease

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Breast Cancer is estimated to affect one in every eight women in the US through their adult lifetime—and more than 250,000 new cases are diagnosed every year

Breast Cancer, when caught early, has a high level of treatment and recovery. Modern medical technologies and knowledge have been able to reduce the mortality rate considerably, but the disease still remains a threat to adult women in the United States and the rest of the world.

While no cure for breast cancer is yet available, it is important to maintain the awareness—not just in October—to help everyone become informed about the threat. And since knowledge is power, everyone should do their part in remaining in-the-know.

Breast Cancer Early DetectionBreast cancer statistics from Cancer.net state that over 40,000 women die from breast cancer every year. These are truly unnecessary with today’s medical advancement in detection and prevention of breast cancer—but we are putting an end to this ignorance right now.

Start by becoming aware of the tell-tale symptoms of breast cancer, who is at risk, and how you can discuss it with friends and loved ones. At the same time, learn about how breast cancer can be prevented and treated to increase the survival rate of patients diagnosed with this disease.

Here are a number of ways in which you can get involved in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month during October—and throughout the rest of the year. Here are some organizations and initiatives to help you increase your own awareness:

This is not a comprehensive list, since there are many more local Breast Cancer Awareness organizations, foundations and initiatives in your local area.

We encourage everyone to volunteer or participate during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month events and fundraisers. And whenever possible, make a charitable contribution to the research and prevention of the disease.

Like any other ailment that is being actively researched, a cure is not the only goal. It is important to focus on the treatment as a way to reduce the aggressive nature of breast cancer and to increase the chances of remission.

Spread the word, share on social media and keep breast cancer awareness growing throughout the month of October!