Dental Health Topics

November is American Diabetes Month

November is American Diabetes Month

25.8 million children and adults in the United States – 8.3% of the population – have diabetes. And not too far behind those 25.8 million are the estimated 79 million Americans with prediabetes. What's worse, the increasing prevalence of Type II diabetes has become so staggering, the International Diabetes Foundation has begun to term Diabetes on the whole as “The Global Burden.” Diabetes is a serious illness, and its complications are manifold. Most know of its impact on circulation, visual acuity, and heart and kidney function. Many aren't aware, however, of its deleterious effect on gum tissue. If you're prediabetic, have diabetes or have a loved one with the disease, you'll want to learn more about how to ward off this commonly unknown side effect of the disease.

Diabetes is a disease with tentacles – its impact on a person’s health can be widespread, so it’s important to be proactive in avoiding the disease. Here are three things you can do today to keep Diabetes from your frequent vernacular.
  • Remain active: Moving your body is one of the best things you can do to help stave off diabetes. Doing so helps you maintain a healthy weight – perhaps the “single most important cause of Type II Diabetes.”
  • If your dietary habits allow for it, amp up the fiber: Research suggests increased fiber intake in the form of fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps improve blood sugar control. These types of foods are also good for you for so many other reasons as well, so eat up!
  • Hit the weights!: Even those already diagnosed with Diabetes can benefit from doing some form of weight bearing exercise. More muscle mass helps your body respond better to insulin, AND it makes you look better as well. Open that jar of peanut butter! Switch that baby from the right to the left arm with no hassle! Even pushups count, so don’t be afraid to get down and give yourself 20!
Diabetes is a serious illness. If you already have the disease, it can also be controlled by following the advice of your doctor and your dentist. Be sure to make all of your health care team members aware of your disease so you can best stay on top of it. There is nothing worse than the awareness that you could have saved yourself from risky complications through better self-care. And there is nothing better than knowing that you did save yourself from additional illness by doing the right thing. So be proactive, and be healthy!