Know Diabetes, Fight Diabetes During Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes affects an estimated 11.3% of the U.S. population. This chronic disease develops when your blood sugar levels are too high. November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This year, take time to learn about diabetes signs and symptoms. Then, share this information with your loved ones so they can take steps to reduce their risk.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-lasting condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Blood sugar is also known as blood glucose. When your blood sugar levels get too high, your pancreas releases higher amounts of insulin. Insulin is a hormone. It helps the body move glucose into your cells, where it can be used as energy. If your blood sugar levels stay high for a long time, your pancreas can get overworked. Over time, it may stop releasing insulin. This means that glucose will stay in your bloodstream. Too much glucose in the bloodstream can put you at risk for other health problems. Fortunately, diabetes can be cared for with medications, diet, and exercise.

Diabetes Awareness Month Facts

Knowing about diabetes signs and risk factors can help you stay healthy. Share these diabetes facts with friends and family in honor of Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes symptoms include:

• Increased hunger and thirst
• Increased urination
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Unexplained weight loss
• Mood swings
• Frequent infections

Diabetes risk factors include:

• Obesity and excess weight
• Family history of diabetes
• Personal history of diabetes during pregnancy
• Lack of physical activity
• Ethnic background

You can reduce your risk for diabetes, even if it runs in your family. Steps you can take to prevent diabetes include:

• Stay at a healthy weight.
• Lose excess weight.
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
• Eat nutritious foods. Fruits, veggies, and fish are examples of healthy foods to include in your diet.

There are many different treatments for diabetes. If you have this disease, your primary care provider can help you find the best treatment.  If you need assistance with scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider regarding diabetes management, please contact us today at 1-888-524-1999, and a member of our team will help you. 

JMS Health Education Classes

In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, Jai Medical Systems (JMS) is offering a diabetes education class. The class will take place in Monument on Friday, November 17, 2023:

• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Diabetes Education

Please note, Jai Medical Systems will be hosting additional health education classes on this day to include:  

• 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM Hypertension Health Education
• 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM Asthma Health Education
• 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM Healthy Eating During the Holidays

These classes are open to JMS members. If you want to attend an upcoming health education class, please contact our Member Experience Supervisor, Ms. Jasonelle Ellis:

• Jasonelle.Ellis@jaimedical.com
• Call 1-888-524-1999, extension 3229