Diabetes Month Isn't Over Yet

As you know, November is American Diabetes Month--and it's not over yet! Did you do anything to acknowledge the importance of diabetes education this month?

American Diabetes Month is a campaign which was started to increase awareness and knowledge about diabetes. Diabetes is a patient-managed disease, so it is vitally important that people with diabetes receive high quality education that is tailored to their particular needs. This is a key role of Diabetes Educators (people like me, Amy and Sharlene), a group of highly skilled health professionals – to help those with diabetes to learn the needed information and skills to better care for and manage their diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented in many cases by helping and encouraging those at risk to maintain a healthy weight and get regular exercise. Diabetes Educators can help you and other people with diabetes:

• Know the risks and warning signs of diabetes.
• Know how to manage your diabetes and be in control.
• Know how to locate and use your resources when you need help.

If your community did not have any programs promoting diabetes awareness, some things you might do next year include:

• Organize public information meetings, seminars, and workshops.
• Contact a local hospital, nursing school or school of pharmacy about providing speakers.
• Contact local churches, schools or community centers as locations for the meetings.
• Arrange for free screenings for diabetes and its complications write an article for your local newspaper sharing your experiences.
• Seek local “celebrities” who might be willing to share their success stories.
• Organize a walk to help increase awareness and raise money for much needed research.

Do not wait for next November to help others in your community who might not have as much information or know about available resources. Start now to help yourself and others in the fight against diabetes!

--Barbara 

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[Rachel Safer]

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