November is American Diabetes Month.
With 24 million Americans living with this disease, and another 57 million at risk, chances are you or someone you know lives with this disease. Every 20 seconds someone is diagnosed with this disease — that’s 4,320 in 24 hours. It was both of my grandmothers.
Because diabetes and its symptoms are significantly impacted by diet and lifestyle, there is a lot YOU can do to keep from developing the disease and helping diabetic loved ones.
- Physical Activity. Get out and walk, ride a bike, dance in your basement — I really don’t care. But, physical activity is a great antidote. And, as you can see, it doesn’t have to be much.
- Diet. As always, it comes down to what Mom told you — eat your fruits and veggies, and limit the desserts. Because everyone is different, you need to find the right diet for you — I define the right diet as one that is easy to follow, you feel good when adhering to, and is anti-inflammatory for your body. If you want help with at-home food testing, let me know, and I can point you in the right direction.
This week, I want you to call or email someone you know is diabetic or pre-diabetic and make plans to get out and MOVE with them. If they are too far away, get a commitment from them to find a buddy there.
You can learn more or share your diabetes story at stopdiabetes.com.
About Jen Waak