November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Make time to get screened!

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and it’s a great time to check in on your health. Diabetes is a chronic condition where your blood sugars are higher than they should be. High blood sugars can cause damage to your body over time. Many people in the U.S. are living with diabetes; in fact, 1 in 4 people do not know they have it. Screening is an important tool for early detection. A simple blood test - such as an A1C, fasting blood sugar, or glucose tolerance test—can show whether you have diabetes or are at risk. Knowing your numbers early can help you take action to prevent or delay complications.

Screening is especially important if you’re over age 45, have a family history of diabetes, or have health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or carry extra weight, especially around your waist. Your risk is also higher if you’ve had gestational diabetes (a type of diabetes that happens during pregnancy) or if you are African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islander. Even if you feel healthy, silent changes may be happening within your body.

At Cascade Health, we know that education and lifestyle choices play a powerful role in both the prevention and management of diabetes. Our registered dietitians and diabetes educators empower you to take an active role in your diabetes treatment plan. We help you make sense of your diet, understand your medications, build a healthy stress and sleep routine, and create a physical activity plan that’s tailored to your lifestyle. Contact us today at 541-228-3020 or visit us online.