Disturbing Details About Diabetes

You or someone you know likely has diabetes. More than 30 million Americans have a type of diabetes. I’m one of them. My type 2 diabetes developed following gestational diabetes. Because it’s so common, I’m going to share some disturbing details about diabetes and what we can do to improve our health.

Disturbing Numbers

• More than 30 million U.S. adults have diabetes

• 1 out of 4 of them don’t know they have it, meaning 7.5 million Americans are diabetic and don’t know

• There are 3 main types of diabetes (type 1, type 2, and gestational)

• 9 out of 10 people have type 2 diabetes. That’s 27 million people living with type 2 diabetes

• 6.75 million Americans are walking around with type 2 diabetes and don’t know that they have it

It’s hard for me to realize myself and many of my friends and family are included in that number – along with many of you. That’s why I started the For My Health Today podcast and this blog. If by sharing weekly episodes and blog posts, I’m able to reach just a handful of people and impact just a few lives in a positive way, then it’s worth it.

Not-So-Scary Solution

Although there is no cure for diabetes yet, we have the power to change our health situation. Living a healthy lifestyle can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. This is great news for anyone who is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes or has been told that they have prediabetes. If you are among the 27 million Americans who already have type 2 diabetes, then living a healthy lifestyle can reduce the negative impact of diabetes on your life.

Living a healthy lifestyle really does matter.

The actions you take are totally up to you, and what you do every day makes a difference, from:

• What you’re eating

• Whether or not you’re physically active

• Taking your medicines if you’ve been prescribed medicine to manage type 2 diabetes

• Keeping your regular/routine doctor’s appointments to stay on track

Progress is Perfection

I wish I could offer you a simple solution in a three-step plan to perfect health, but I can’t. However, what I can offer is:

• Inspiration

• Motivation

• Encouragement

• Reminders

• Helpful information

• Resources

• Tips and continued discussion

I’m committed to trying every day. Forward progress (not to be confused with perfection) consists of small steps that lead to big rewards.

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Action Steps

Decide to take some sort of positive action right now. Be encouraged, my friends!

Subscribe to the For My Health Today podcast for tips to live a healthier lifestyle and a weekly dose of inspiration.

You can also follow me on Instagram to keep your motivation up. I post pictures of me walking for my health to encourage you to do the same. Leave me a comment with how type 2 diabetes has impacted your life and ask me your questions as you get started!