In observance of American Diabetes Month, I would like to talk to you about this disease that is sweeping across America. Did you know that 1 in 11 Americans is living with diabetes today? Let that sink in while you consider this: every 23 seconds, someone in America is diagnosed with this horrible disease that results in more deaths than AIDS and breast cancer combined. The worst part? It can, for the most part, be prevented or at least controlled with medication, but it’s a silent killer. There are not normally any outward signs that you have this disease.
What are the different types of diabetes?
Type 1 – This is an autoimmune disease mostly affecting small children and young adults that only accounts for 5% of the total number of people with diabetes. People who suffer from Type 1 are unable to produce insulin on their own are forced to take insulin every day for the rest of their lives.
Type 2 – This is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for the other 95% of the total number of people diagnosed. While this form can be hereditary, or occur during pregnancy, the highest risk factor is obesity. Some people with Type 2 are able to control their insulin needs with a drastic change in both diet and exercise, but others have to take insulin to control it.
The American Diabetes Association recommends a long term plan of diet and exercise to control or overcome the disease, should your weight play the biggest part in your diagnosis. Combining aerobic exercise, strength training, flexibility exercises/stretching, balance exercises, and activity throughout the day can greatly help with managing the disease.
Should you be suffering from diabetes, please allow our trainers to design a program for you to safely manage your health and fitness to help you reach your long term goals.
For more information about Diabetes Diagnosis and Control, please visit https://www.diabetes.org.