November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to learn more about this common but often preventable condition.
World Diabetes Day is an annual global awareness campaign held on November 14 to raise awareness of diabetes mellitus. This date was chosen because it is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin with Charles Best in 1922. The day promotes the need for awareness, prevention, and management of this chronic disease, highlighting its impact on all stages of life and its potential to lead to complications like blindness, kidney failure, and heart disease.
More than 38 million Americans live with diabetes, and many more are at risk without even knowing it. The good news? Small lifestyle changes and regular check-ups can make a big difference.
At South Tabor Family Physicians (STFP), we’re committed to helping our patients understand their health, recognize early warning signs, and take proactive steps toward prevention and management.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when your body can’t properly use or produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar (glucose). Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney problems, and vision loss.
The two most common types are:
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.
- Type 2 Diabetes: More common in adults and linked to lifestyle factors like diet, weight, and physical activity.
Know Your Risk Factors
Even if you feel healthy, it’s important to know what increases your risk:
- Family history of diabetes
- Being overweight or physically inactive
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- History of gestational diabetes (during pregnancy)
- Age 45 or older
- Certain racial or ethnic backgrounds (including Native American, African American, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander populations)
Why Screening Matters
Early detection saves lives. A simple blood test—often part of your annual wellness exam—can reveal whether your blood sugar is within a healthy range.
Screenings may include:
- Fasting Blood Glucose: Measures blood sugar after not eating for 8 hours.
- A1C Test: Shows your average blood sugar over 2–3 months.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Used when blood sugar results are borderline.
STFP offers on-site lab testing for convenient and accurate results, so you can take control of your health without multiple appointments.
Prevention and Daily Management Tips
Whether you’re preventing diabetes or managing it, daily habits matter:
- Eat balanced meals. Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
- Stay active. Aim for 30 minutes of movement 5 days a week—walking, biking, or even gardening counts.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Even small reductions can lower risk.
- Get enough rest. Poor sleep can affect blood sugar control.
- Schedule regular check-ups. Routine monitoring helps catch small changes early.
At STFP, our providers offer chronic disease management, personalized care plans, and support for lifestyle adjustments that work for your unique needs.
Living Well with Diabetes
Diabetes doesn’t have to define your life. With the right care team and consistent monitoring, patients can stay active, eat well, and live long, healthy lives. STFP’s integrated approach helps patients manage not only diabetes, but also the other conditions it may affect—like blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart health.
Helpful Resources
- American Diabetes Association – Prevent Diabetes
- CDC – National Diabetes Prevention Program
At South Tabor Family Physicians
We’re conveniently located right off I-205 and are accepting new patients.
Call 503-261-7200 to schedule your next visit or get to know our providers here!
