November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. As a community we need to begin to take action and join the national movement to stop diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, “one out of every three children born today will face a future with diabetes if the current trends continue. ... Drastic action is needed and new hope is required.”

As individuals there are many ways we can lower our chances of getting diabetes and help those around us by increasing the awareness of this national epidemic. How do you get started? First of all, each person needs to make changes in what you do each day by beginning to change your behavior, make better food choices, become more physically active and, lastly, talk with your doctor to be tested.

What is type 2 diabetes? Diabetes is a rise in blood sugar due to an insulin deficiency or resistance. Insulin resistance is a condition that increases your chances of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. When you have insulin resistance, your body has problems responding to insulin. Eventually, your blood glucose or “sugar” levels rise above normal. If you do not properly manage the amount of food intake, lose weight and get proper exercise, your chances of getting type 2 diabetes and heart disease increases dramatically.

You could be at risk if you are age 45 or older, had diabetes when pregnant or gave birth to a baby over 9 pounds, are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, have low HDL cholesterol, have high blood pressure, are active less than three times a week, have an unhealthy diet, and the list continues. Many people have no signs or symptoms. Here is what to look for: frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, itchy skin, non-healing cuts, tingling hands and feet, increased fatigue, irritability or blurry vision. If you are 45 or older, overweight and have one or more of the risk factors you should consider getting tested by your local physician.

What can you do about your risk? The National Diabetes Education Program is informing people of what they can do to lower their chances of getting diabetes. Exercising regularly, reducing fat and calorie intake and losing weight can all help you reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels also help you stay healthy.

As a community, we need to join the movement now, increase awareness of this national epidemic and provide education and resources to help people make better choices in their lifestyles. Simple actions can make a real difference.

Elane Daly is director of health and human services for Cayuga County. She can be reached at 253-1560 or cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us