CDC Report: 30 million adults in US living with diabetes

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) recognizes November as Diabetes Awareness Month and seeks to increase diabetes awareness and challenge the community to prevent or keep their glucose levels in control.

Diabetes is a leading cause of heart disease, blindness, amputation, kidney disease, and even early death. Maintaining a healthy weight by staying active and eating healthy are keys to controlling glucose levels and preventing diabetes.

There are over 30 million adults in the United States living with diabetes and another 84 million with prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control’s 2017 National Diabetes Statistics report. Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for the diagnosis of diabetes. People with prediabetes are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and for heart disease and stroke.

To maintain a healthy weight, residents are encouraged to consume five or more fruits and vegetables each day and to choose whole grains and foods that are high in fiber such as beans, peas, and sweet potatoes. Moreover, residents should engage in some form of physical activity daily to live a healthier lifestyle.

With the holiday season right around the corner, DOH-Orange’s Healthiest Weight program encourages the community to join the “Maintain, Don’t Gain” Holiday Challenge. Visit http://www.healthiestweightfl.com/activities/holiday.html to join the FREE seven-week challenge and receive tips, tricks, and ideas to help you maintain your weight throughout the holiday season.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.