MCHD to observe National Diabetes Month 11.03.2023

November 3, 2023

MCHD to observe National Diabetes Month

MOBILE, Ala. — November is National Diabetes Month, with November 14 set aside as World Diabetes Day. This month is a time when communities across the country seek to bring attention to diabetes.

Over the past 20 years, there has been a significant rise in the number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes. Today, it affects approximately 37 million Americans, including adults and youths. In Mobile County, 13.8 percent of our residents are diagnosed as diabetic or pre-diabetic, which is 2 percent higher than the state’s average and 4 percentage points higher than the national average.

The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) has several events planned for the month. On November 7, the Health Equity Office will collaborate with the City of Mobile to host a Diabetes Awareness Outreach. On November 14, MCHD will receive an International Diabetes Day proclamation from city officials.

Diabetes Month’s colors are blue and gray. On November 14, there will be the “Nailing Diabetes” challenge. For those wishing to participate, they can paint their nails blue for the day or week.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to vision loss, kidney disease, nerve damage, and heart disease, and it is linked to some forms of cancer.

There is some good news. Taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems. Research shows that managing your diabetes as soon as possible after being diagnosed may help prevent serious diabetes health conditions. Below are some tips to help manage your diabetes:

• Manage your diabetes ABCs
  • A is for the A1C test that health care professionals use to measure your average blood glucose (sugar) levels. Know your A1C glucose level and monitor it regularly.
  • B is for blood pressure.
  • C is for cholesterol. 

• Develop healthy lifestyle habits – plan healthy meals, be physically active, get enough sleep, and quit smoking to help you manage your diabetes ABCs.

• Take the correct dose of medicine and at the prescribed time – if you are having a problem taking your medicine, contact your physician right away.

• Take care of your mental health – having health problems can be overwhelming and cause you to be sad and anxious, don’t be afraid to seek help from mental health professionals.

• Work with your health care team – Managing diabetes takes a team, which may include a primary care provider, diabetes specialist, registered dietitian, or certified diabetes educator. While it takes a team to manage diabetes, remember that you are the most important participant.

 For more information regarding diabetes, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYg25EzdCKQ.