As part of our ongoing commitment to health and safety, we are continuing to raise awareness around some health-related issues.
November is not only Movember (which raises men’s health issues), but also Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is the name given to disorders in which the body has trouble regulating its blood-glucose, or blood-sugar, levels.
This year’s focus is on pre-diabetes and preventing diabetes. November 14, 2021 is also Diabetes Awareness Day.
NOTE: If you or a dependent have diabetes and participate in Transdev-sponsored medical, dental or vision plans, please visit the Transdev Benefits Portal (www.transdev.bswift.com) or contact the carrier(s) to learn more about enhanced benefits that may be available to you at no added cost. This can include programs and added services to help you manage your condition and your overall health.
There are 2 main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are mistakenly destroyed by the body’s immune system. T1D seems to have a genetic component and can be diagnosed early in life but also in adulthood. Its causes are not fully known. People with T1D are dependent on injected or pumped insulin to survive.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is often diagnosed later in life and can be due to genetic predisposition or behavior. T2D is a metabolic disorder in which a person’s body still produces insulin, but is unable to use it effectively. It can be managed with diet and exercise or medication.
Prediabetes is a serious health condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes—that’s 88 million people—but the majority of people don’t know they have it.
The good news is that by making small healthy lifestyle changes, it is possible to prevent type 2 diabetes and even reverse your prediabetes.
Here are some tips to help manage prediabetes and prevent diabetes:
- Take small steps. Making changes to your lifestyle and daily habits can be hard, but you don’t have to change everything at once. It is okay to start small. Remember that setbacks are normal and do not mean you have failed—the key is to get back on track as soon as you can.
- Move more.Limit time spent sitting and try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity, 5 days a week. Start slowly by breaking it up throughout the day.
- Choose healthier foods and drinks most of the time. Pick foods that are high in fiber and low in fat and sugar. Build a plate that includes a balance of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates. Drink water instead of sweetened drinks.
- Lose weight, track it, and keep it off.You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of your starting weight.
- Seek support. It is possible to reverse prediabetes. Making a plan, tracking your progress, and getting support from your health care professional and loved ones can help you make the necessary lifestyle changes.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations. The COVID-19 (booster shot, if eligible) and flu vaccines are especially important for people who may be more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 or the flu, such as people with diabetes.
If you are looking for more information on how to prevent Type 2 diabetes, click here.
