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| Participate on November 17th Visit www.diabetes.org for more info. |
#EatWellAmerica
Join the American Diabetes Association's campaign on November 17th by taking a photo of a healthy lunch and using the above hashtag.
If you search on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook with #EatWellAmerica or #MyHealthyLunch or #HealthyLunchDay you can see some early bird examples.
Go to this link to sign up ahead of time for a Thunderclap--a coordinated social media event.
Go to this link to sign up ahead of time for a Thunderclap--a coordinated social media event.
Although diabetes affects people of all ages, the prevalence of diabetes among older adults is 25.9% or 1 in 4.
Some older adults have been living with Type 1 for decades, but the overwhelming majority are Type 2.
[Note: This post does not offer medical advice. It's purpose is to raise awareness. If you are concerned about your body's ability to produce insulin or process glucose, please see a licensed medical professional.]
- Being overweight or obese
- Extra weight distributed in the torso rather than hips or thighs
- Inactivity
Nonmodifiable Risk Factors
- Family history (stronger risk the closer the family relationship)
- Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander
- Age. The risk increases sharply after 45
Health Problems Correlated with Increased Risk--some of which are modifiable
- Prediabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High triglyceride levels
- Gestational diabetes (women only)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome aka PCOS (women only)
I have two risk factors: Age and Family History.
I am in my mid 50s, and the risk factor of Age will continue to climb.
I have a sister who was diagnosed as a Type 1 in 1980 as a preteen, a father diagnosed about 10 years ago in his late 60s, and a mother diagnosed this year in her mid 70s, Because I have such a strong family history of diabetes, I make healthy lifestyle choices in order to prevent or at least postpone a diagnosis.
I also try to read about symptoms, treatment, comorbidities, complications, and scholarly research.
The American Diabetes Association is a great source of information about all aspects of living with diabetes. If you don't know where to start, try their Fast Facts page.
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Such a worthwhile campaign! I've seen the ravages of diabetes, also, and it has scared me into trying to be proactive in the fight against it. My father battled diabetes for the last thirty years of his life. He was very disciplined about his eating and exercise, but it eventually took a toll on his heart and kidneys. He had a stressful career and that might actually be the straw that broke the camel's back. I'm guessing stress probably make us more vulnerable to diabetes. Good post. Thanks for reminding us to be vigilant.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that your dad had such a hard time. I could be better about controlling stress and anxiety. All my best all of us to eat healthy foods during the holiday season. (With just tiny portions of the fun stuff.)
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