November 2013 > Raising Awareness: American Diabetes Month
Be A Wise Healthcare Consumer
Raising Awareness: American Diabetes Month
November is American Diabetes Month® which has the goal of raising awareness about an ever-growing disease which affects the lives of millions of Americans. Statistically speaking:
- Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes;
- Another 79 million Americans have pre-diabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes;
- The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $245 billion.
Diabetes is actually a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels resulting from a person’s body not having the ability produce and/or use insulin. Three of these diseases are Type 1 diabetes (where the body does not produce insulin), Type 2 diabetes (the most common form of diabetes and where the body does not use insulin properly), and Gestational diabetes (a condition developed during pregnancy which affects your blood sugar).
Awareness and Prevention
Your lifestyle is a key component to staying healthy and living a longer life. A lifestyle which includes physical activity and a healthy diet can help prevent and or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association offers information on identifying your diabetes risk, lowering your diabetes risk, and tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
UT System Diabetes Management Programs
Beyond the information that is available through the American Diabetes Association, remember that your UT SELECT Medical plan (including prescription benefits) and the UT System Living Well Program include multiple resources to help you assess your health risks, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and manage any health conditions (including diabetes) which might affect you or a family member. In addition to your medical benefits, the services available to you also include specialized condition management programs, health coaching, and telephonic pharmacy counseling specific to diabetes health management and other chronic conditions.
Learn more about diabetes during November, American Diabetes Month®, by visiting these websites: