Diabetes Alert Day

Every fourth Tuesday of March is Diabetes Alert Day. The American Diabetes Association dedicates this day to Diabetes Alert Day to bring awareness of the risk factors that contribute to getting diabetes. Also, knowing your risk factors may prevent diabetes or prevent diabetes complications. Some people do not know that they have diabetes until they get tested. Other times the symptoms present themselves such as feeling dizzy, sweating, cold chills, headaches, and lack of energy. 

However, going to the restroom too much, having too much thirst, and gaining weight are also symptoms of diabetes. Yet, Type 2 Diabetes may be prevented if you know your family history and your risk factors. Diabetes can change your lifestyle but it does not change your happiness. The risk factors are sitting too long, not enough exercise, eating too many carbs, and too much stress. Also, not drinking enough water and too many sugary drinks. 

But the toughest risk factor is controlling your stress and balancing your hormones especially during pregnancy or with the menstrual cycle. Learn how to control your stress by finding ways to calm down. Additionally managing your food cravings because anything you eat and drink converts to sugar. Take diabetes classes if they are offered through your medical insurance. Change your lifestyle by adding exercise, more water, and healthier foods with fewer carbs.

Do your yearly medical check-up and dental appointments. Diabetes affects the gums of your mouth and your teeth. Change the portion size of your meals and lose weight if needed. Controlling your weight helps prevent diabetes. Seek professional help if you can not manage your emotional eating.

Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented.  On the contrary, Type 1 Diabetes can not be prevented but it can be managed. Diabetes Type 1 is when the body attacks the immune system. This type of diabetes is controlled with insulin.  Yet, diabetes can also be controlled with medication. 

If you have Gestational Diabetes ask your doctor for controlling your diabetes while pregnant.  Gestational Diabetes can occur if you have a baby that weighs nine pounds or more. As well as your age and if you were overweight before getting pregnant. But you can have a healthy baby if you have Gestational Diabetes and your doctor monitors it with preventive care. Nevertheless, take care of yourself and the health of your baby. 

Diabetes Alert Day is a day to be informed about your health and risk factors for diabetes. If you do get diabetes, you can still live a happy and positive life. Diabetes does not prevent you from working and doing your favorite hobbies. It is necessary to change your lifestyle so you can control your diabetes. Here are website links about Diabetes Alert Day. 

Understand Your Risk for Diabetes: 

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/understand-your-risk-for-diabetes 

Diabetes Alert Day-National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases:

Diabetes Alert Day - NIDDK (nih.gov)

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