National Diabetes Education Week

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The first week of November is observed as National Diabetes Education Week. 

In the U.S., nearly 30 million Americans suffer from diabetes, another 86 million have prediabetes, and 1.5 million people are diagnosed with diabetes each year. 

Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. It is also linked to some types of cancer. 

The best way to prevent diabetes-related health problems is to take charge of your health. Here are some tips to help get you started: 

  • Know your risk for developing diabetes: you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if: 
    • You are overweight or obese 
    • You have a family history of diabetes 
    • You are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander 
    • You are not physically active 
    • You have prediabetes 
  • Manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels: preventing diabetes or managing it as soon as possible after diagnosis may help prevent health problems. You can start managing your diabetes by following the ABCs: 
    • A is for the A1C test that healthcare professionals use to measure your average blood glucose levels 
    • B is for blood pressure 
    • C is for cholesterol 
  • Take small steps toward healthy lifestyle habits: Lifestyle habits, such as being physically active, planning healthy meals, getting enough sleep, and not smoking, may help prevent diabetes or manage your diabetes ABCs 
  • Take your medications on time: Remember to take your medications even if you feel healthy. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have trouble taking your medications on time or at the correct dose 
  • Reach or maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight or obese, ask your healthcare provider whether a healthy diet, physical activity, or other weight-loss treatments can help you manage your weight. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5%-7% of your starting weight 
  • Take care of your mental health: It can be difficult to manage diabetes. If you are feeling down, sad, or overwhelmed, learn healthy ways to cope with stress. You can also consult with a mental health professional or join a support group 
  • Work with your healthcare team: It takes a team to manage diabetes. Your healthcare team may include: 
    • A primary care provider 
    • Diabetes specialist 
    • Registered dietician 
    • Certified diabetes educator 

Consult with your primary care provider if you should speak with other healthcare professionals about preventing or managing diabetes.  

If you are experiencing diabetic symptoms, would like help managing your diabetes, or if you would like to prevent developing diabetes, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.