World Diabetes Day!
- Chanel Michele
- Nov 15, 2019
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 25, 2020
Today is November 14, a reoccurring diabetes global awareness day that we celebrate to educate, empower, and change the lives of people around the world. There have been so many developments and research conducted on this disease and it has saved many lives. According to WHO, over 84 million people are currently living with prediabetes and do not know it. It is a global issue that simply doesn't get enough press. In efforts to increase awareness, I've gathered a few facts to feed your brain!
Ten Facts about Diabetes:
1. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States. More specifically, type-2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all diagnoses.
2. Type-1 diabetes occurs when your immune system, the body's system for fighting infection, attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.
3. The founder of insulin "Sir Frederick Banting" was born on this day in 1922.
4. 2 of the first signs of type-2 diabetes are frequent urination and increased thirst.
5. The third type of diabetes is called "Gestational Diabetes", is found in pregnant women with hyperglycemia with values above normal but below the diagnostic level for diabetes. This diabetes can cause massive complications in pregnancy and delivery.
6. Although the death rate is high, being diagnosed with diabetes is not a death sentence. It can be maintained and reversed with physical activity, healthy eating, less stress, and weight loss.
7. If diabetes is not managed well, it could lead to further complications and amputations such as loss of vision, nerve damage, leg amputation, kidney failure, and stroke.
8. As a diabetic, it is easy to get infections and have a slower process of wound healing. For this reason, it is not recommended that you get pedicures, especially not at public nail salons.
9. African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos Americans are at a higher risk of developing Type-2 Diabetes. In addition, lower-income countries and cities make up more than half of the diagnosed population.
10. Type-2 Diabetes can be prevented! You can reduce the risk of Type-2 diabetes by walking more, eating healthy foods, and reducing stress. (Stay away from sodas, alcohol, excess sugar, and fried foods with high-fat content.)
Take the necessary steps to create a healthier YOU!
NAMASTE,
CHANEL MICHELE
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