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These studies suggest that National Diabetes Month is an opportunity to raise awareness, promote prevention and treatment of diabetes through lifestyle changes, and highlight the importance of early diagnosis and new guidelines.
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November is recognized as National Diabetes Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes and promoting strategies for prevention and management. In the United States, diabetes affects a significant portion of the population. As of recent estimates, approximately 30 million adults aged 18 years and older are living with diabetes, and an additional 84 million have prediabetes . Among older adults aged 65 years and above, the prevalence is even higher, with one in four having diabetes and one in two having prediabetes.
Individuals with prediabetes are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke . Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Alarmingly, a large percentage of those with prediabetes are unaware of their condition, with estimates suggesting that 89% of individuals with prediabetes do not know they have it.
The good news is that type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 90%-95% of all diagnosed diabetes cases in the United States, can often be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes. Structured lifestyle change programs that promote weight loss, healthy eating, and increased physical activity have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes . These programs emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity.
Early diagnosis and management of diabetes are crucial in preventing complications. Approximately 28% of those with diabetes are undiagnosed, highlighting the need for increased awareness and screening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized the importance of using updated diagnostic criteria to identify diabetes early. For instance, the fasting diagnostic criteria have been lowered from ≥140 mg/dL to ≥126 mg/dL to facilitate earlier detection.
National Diabetes Month also focuses on mobilizing communities and healthcare providers to improve diabetes outcomes. Efforts include increasing awareness of the impact of diabetes, promoting existing initiatives to reduce the burden of the disease, and encouraging the adoption of new guidelines for diagnosis and classification. Healthcare providers are encouraged to use the latest diagnostic criteria and to educate patients about the importance of lifestyle changes in managing and preventing diabetes.
National Diabetes Month serves as a critical reminder of the widespread impact of diabetes and the importance of prevention and early management. By raising awareness, promoting healthy lifestyle changes, and encouraging early diagnosis, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of diabetes and improving the quality of life for those affected by this chronic condition.
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