November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, an important time to raise awareness and promote healthier lifestyles to prevent and manage diabetes. Over 37 million Americans have diabetes, and 1 in 5 of them don't know they have it. Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar, and understanding it is essential for health. There are two main types: 1. Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease diagnosed in childhood, requiring lifelong insulin. 2. Type 2 Diabetes: Linked to diet and lifestyle, manageable with exercise, diet, and medication (Most Common Form). Prevention and Management Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed with these strategies : • Healthy Eating: Regulates blood sugar. • Exercise: Essential for managing weight and blood sugar. • Regular Check-ups: Vital for monitoring blood sugar and overall health. • Stress Management: Helps control blood sugar. • Quit Smoking: Reduces diabetes risk. By prioritizing your health through diet, exercise, and regular check-ups, you can manage diabetes and reduce risk. Remember, diabetes awareness is a year-round commitment. T o schedule an appointment to manage your diabetes or to check for diabetes, please call your MedNOW Clinic or schedule your appointment online via the link on our website. If you have any more questions regarding the flu shot, the CDC provides excellent information. If you need assistance scheduling your appointment, call your MedNOW clinic. Our staff members are always willing to help! Thank you for taking care of your health!