Are you at risk of diabetes?
Approximately 30 million Americans have diabetes, and 95% have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes affects the body’s ability to produce insulin or to use it well; as a result, glucose is not used as energy and remains in the blood. This can cause serious health complications and requires a change of lifestyle and diet to be managed well.
The A1C blood glucose test is used to determine prediabetes and diabetes. A level of 5.7% or more puts you at risk of diabetes. While there are additional determinants of the disease, monitoring your A1C level with your doctor can keep you on the right track to a healthier lifestyle and to avoiding diabetes.
You can prevent diabetes through:
- healthy eating
- lowering your blood pressure
- maintaining a healthy weight
- not smoking
- being physically active
- lowering your blood glucose
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.
This month, the American Diabetes Association is encouraging everyone to participate in the November higi Challenge: Eat Well, America!
Higi, which provides health stations that track vitals like weight, blood pressure and BMI, is collaborating for this initiative, which is designed to inspire Americans to be active and live a healthier lifestyle.
Ask your doctor to screen for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which impacts the circulation of blood to your lower body and can lead to erectile dysfunction, among other complications.
For more information about diabetes and to assess your risk for the disease, visit your doctor today.
Take the first step toward preventing diabetes.
