Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have Diabetes; 79 million have a pre-Diabetes status and are at risk for developing type 2 Diabetes, which is the most common form of Diabetes. With type 2 Diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin properly.
November is American Diabetes Month and the primary objective is to raise awareness and understanding of Diabetes, its consequences, management and prevention of type 2 Diabetes, according to www.Diabetes.org. In 2012, the theme of the nationally recognized month of awareness was A Day in the Life of Diabetes, giving a first-hand look at how Diabetes affects patients and their families on a day-to-day basis. 2013’s National Diabetes Month continues that same theme, reinforcing the topic’s importance due to statistics such as:
-Two out of three people with Diabetes die from heart disease or stroke
-Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure
-Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness cases in adults
On October 31st, President Barak Obama officially proclaimed November 2013 to be National Diabetes Month where he discussed the severity, side effects and consequences of living with Diabetes. He stated “During National Diabetes Month, we renew our dedication to combating this chronic, life-threatening illness by standing with those living with Diabetes, honoring the professionals and advocates engaged in fighting Diabetes and working to raise awareness about prevention and treatment.”
Many people are aware of Diabetes but don’t have the slightest idea of how severe and dangerous this chronic illness can be. A4M’s Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative and Functional Medicine offers physicians the education they need to prevent chronic diseases such as Diabetes.