American Diabetes Month: Understanding, Preventing, and Managing

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of diabetes—one of the most prevalent and challenging chronic health conditions affecting our community and the nation. Diabetes can impact nearly every part of life, from daily routines to long-term health. At Crisp Regional Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing resources and guidance to help manage, prevent, and understand diabetes.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it does produce. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, plays a key role in helping our cells absorb glucose (sugar) for energy. Without proper insulin function, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels.

The two main types of diabetes are:

• Type 1 Diabetes: This autoimmune disease often begins in childhood or early adulthood, and it occurs when the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Managing Type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin therapy, along with monitoring blood sugar and following a balanced lifestyle.
• Type 2 Diabetes: This type of diabetes, often preventable, is more common and develops when the body doesn’t use insulin properly. It can develop at any age but is frequently associated with lifestyle factors and can often be managed through lifestyle changes, medication, or insulin therapy.

The Importance of Early Detection and Management

Early detection of diabetes or prediabetes can make a significant difference in preventing or managing the disease effectively. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems. By catching signs early, treatment plans can be developed to avoid complications and support a healthier life.

At Crisp Regional Hospital, we encourage regular screenings, especially for those with risk factors such as family history, high blood pressure, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle. If you’re unsure whether you should be tested, reach out to our team—we’re here to help guide you.

Prevention and Lifestyle Management

Preventing or delaying the onset of Type 2 diabetes involves making sustainable lifestyle changes that positively impact blood sugar levels. Here are some proactive tips:

• Adopt a Balanced Diet: Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help stabilize blood sugar. Avoiding excessive sugar, processed foods, and refined carbs is also beneficial.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is a powerful tool in managing weight, blood sugar, and insulin levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, each week.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can have a big impact on your blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, helping to prevent or manage Type 2 diabetes.
• Monitor Your Blood Sugar: If you have prediabetes or are at risk, monitoring blood sugar levels can help you identify and address any concerning trends early.

Managing Diabetes with Crisp Regional Hospital

If you have diabetes, managing your condition can feel overwhelming. Our team at Crisp Regional Hospital is here to support you in every way, from education to personalized treatment plans. We offer:

• Endocrinology Consultations for those needing specialized care in managing diabetes and other hormone-related conditions.
• Diabetes Education Classes designed to help you understand diabetes better and equip you with practical tools to manage it.
• Nutrition Counseling with our dietitians, who can help design a meal plan that works for your lifestyle and diabetes management goals.
• Ongoing Support through our primary care team, who partner with you to monitor your blood sugar, adjust treatments as needed, and help you maintain a high quality of life.

This November, Take Action for Your Health

American Diabetes Month is an opportunity for all of us to raise awareness, educate ourselves, and take steps to support a healthier community. Whether you are managing diabetes, have risk factors, or simply want to learn more, Crisp Regional Hospital is here to guide you on your journey.

Let’s work together to make this November a time for health, support, and proactive action.

For more information or to schedule a diabetes consultation, call us at (229) 276-3100. Let Crisp Regional be your partner in health this American Diabetes Month.