November is American Diabetes Month

Did you know, 34.2 million Americans currently have diabetes? People of Color, Black and Indigenous communities are at a higher risk for developing or having diabetes. American Diabetes Month brings awareness to the disease, especially because so many people do not realize they have it. Diabetes is a debilitating and sometimes even fatal disease that causes your blood glucose (sugar) level to be higher than it should be. It harms your overall health and increases your risk of things like kidney failure, heart disease and nerve damage. 

There are different types of diabetes, which can affect you at any point during your life. Type 1 diabetes usually begins before adulthood, while Type 2 usually begins im middle age. There's also a kind called Gestational Diabetes, which occur during pregnancy. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes of in the US. Type 2 can be prevented through monitoring your sugar intake and staying active. 

Since many people don't know that they have diabetes, it's important to know the signs and symptoms. If you experience any of these, it's important to talk to your doctor about your concerns. 

• Increased Thirst
• Frequent Urination
• Extreme Hunger
• Unexplained Weightloss
• Fatique
• Slow Healing Sores

Our doctors at LaSante Health Center can talk to you about your concerns regarding diabetes, and help diagnose you. It's important to keep tabs on your diabetes and treat it to avoid complications.