November is Diabetes Awareness Month
Take Action for a Future Without Diabetes, your own and your loved ones.
Dear Readers,
As many of you know, I have diabetes. I was diagnosed at the end of March. Through improvements in diet and physical activity, I am successfully managing my blood sugar levels for which I am grateful. Until my diagnosis I was ignorant about the ways in which my poor eating choices and lack of physical activity could impact my physical and mental condition. I was also unaware about how many people were impacted by diabetes, either as those with the disease or their loved ones.
I urge every one reading this post to take action for yourself and your loved ones.
From the Diabetes Canada newsletter: “On November 12, in partnership with Diabetes Canada, Walmart pharmacies across Canada will be providing free type 2 diabetes screenings, blood glucose testing, and consultations in stores from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (local time). Walmart opticians (in select locations) will be providing self-assessments for general eye health and diabetic retinopathy (eye retina disease) and assisting with scheduling routine eye exams as needed. “
November 12 is a good day to do a blood glucose level test and an eye test. Do it.
From Diabetes Canada, here is a list of actions you can take:
Learn the facts about diabetes to better understand this disease
Reduce your risk factors for developing complications
Encourage government action to fund the Diabetes Framework
Download the Eating for Wellness guide, which will help you manage diabetes, one nutritious plate at a time.
I have been fortunate to get support from the Community Diabetes Education Program of Ottawa. You can self-refer or get a referral from your family physician. They will help you with figuring out your diet and physical activity. They will educate you about the disease and will help you to feel less overwhelmed. They will educate you about diabetes and dispell the myths that are spread about it. They will also help you to deal with the stigma of diabetes through education. There is no reason to feel shame or failure when you have diabetes. It affects many people.
For those who do not live in Ottawa, seek education programs and take action with your family physician. Ask for blood glucose testing to begin finding out your status. In some cases, if you are prediabetic, there is still time to make changes that will prevent diabetes.
Visit my former blog, the Sexy Diabetic for a list of resources.