Diabetes Awareness Month

It’s surprising that most Americans don’t think diabetes is a serious problem – and that it’s someone else’s health issue. During American Diabetes Month® in November, champions of movements such as Join the MillionsSM and Stop Diabetes® are taking steps to change that mindset. And many Americans are jumping on the healthcare bandwagon to find out how to prevent or control diabetes.

The first step, according to the American Diabetes Association, is awareness. By becoming aware of the early signs of the disease, a lot can be done to control it and even reverse some of its effects. Some of these symptoms may include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Extreme hunger

The next step is diagnosis. Those who experience symptoms of diabetes need to ask their doctor whether they should get screened for the disease. Diabetes may go undiagnosed because many of its symptoms appear to be harmless.

Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals some shocking facts:

  • An individual is diagnosed with diabetes every 17 seconds
  • As many as 1 out of every 3 American adults will develop diabetes by 2050 if the current trends continue.

Finally, for control or prevention, it’s vital to take steps to develop healthy habits. You can slow down or even reverse progression of the disease by:

  • Moving your body regularly – it’ll help you build muscle, which uses more energy. It’s no surprise that lack of exercise and diabetes go hand in hand.
  • Eating fewer calories. The food you eat turns into sugar. If you eat less, you’ll start shedding the excess weight.
  • Lowering your stress. Manage your lifestyle so that you can find some “me” time.

Before the holidays hit, find the time to talk with your doctor about getting screened for diabetes. If diabetes is detected early, you can start treating it and do your part to prevent serious health complications.

You can’t know unless you ask, so ask your healthcare professional today.

If you want to help yourself or someone you know who has diabetes, learning about it and getting involved in the healthcare field is a great start. One way is by pursuing a healthcare management degree. Qualified healthcare managers are expected to be in high demand for many years to come.*

*Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm
NOTE: This information is not intended to substitute for consultation with a qualified medical doctor or for professional advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please call your physician with any questions and concerns about your health.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website (http://icdccollege.edu/programs/associates-degree/healthcare-management-associates-degree/).