November is National Diabetes Month: Understand Your Risk and Take Action for a Healthier Life

As we have officially wrapped up spooky season, November marks a new meaning. Outside of Thanksgiving, the month is known for being National Diabetes Month, which brings in a moment to raise awareness about the health condition and the critical need to know your risk.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions across the world and can lead to other major health complications, including heart disease and kidney damage.  While diabetes can be scary, the expansion of modern-day technology has allowed us to understand our chances and the preventative measures we can take to stay healthy.

But, the lingering question that most have is, how do you know if you’re at risk?  Multiple factors can contribute to the likelihood of a person being diagnosed with diabetes. For starters, family history and genetics are the most significant factors in the development. If your parent or someone in your family has diabetes, there’s a high chance that you can develop the condition. Additionally, another major factor is being overweight, as excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance, which is a precursor to Type 2 diabetes.

Age is also a factor to consider when knowing your risk. People over 45 usually have a higher likelihood of developing diabetes than someone younger, but that doesn’t mean that they’re exempt from the condition. In addition, certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, are at higher risk.

Being aware of the early symptoms of diabetes can help tackle them before they cause bigger health problems. Some things to watch for when looking for the condition include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, reach out to your doctor or healthcare provider.