November is National Diabetes Month
By Margaret J. Hofacker BSN, RN CDE
Attention is given to help increase awareness of the disease. Why not take the American Diabetes Association's, "Are you at risk for Type 2 diabetes?" test? Go to www.diabetes.org/alert or call 1-800-DIABETES for more information. Whether you have diabetes, prediabetes or neither of them, November is the perfect time for taking small steps to turn over a new leaf! Try out these diabetes basics to help with blood sugar control and improved health.
Don't be a couch potato. Keep moving! Include a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity to your day. If you can, go outside and get a few minutes of sunshine to increase your Vitamin D. Observe and then visualize the changing colors of the leaves. Add the same multitude of color to your meal planning in the form of fruits and vegetables.
Small steps can lead to big changes. If you find out you do have diabetes and haven’t already done so, why not ask your health care practitioner to refer you to our American Diabetes Association recognized “Diabetes Self- Management Education” program (631-686-2551). May you enjoy the season with improved health!
Margaret J. Hofacker BSN, RN CDE
Diabetes Self-Management Education
Program Coordinator
Mather Endocrinology