November is National Diabetes Month — Take Action Today to Prevent and Detect

Date: 11/01/22

According to the California Department of Public Health, over 2.3 million California adults report having been diagnosed with diabetes. This represents one out of every 12 adults in the state.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body has a shortage of insulin, a decreased ability to use insulin, or both. Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells and be converted to energy. When diabetes is not controlled, glucose and fats remain in the blood and, over time, damage vital organs.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. The risk of type 2 diabetes increases for those who have one or more of the following traits:

• Getting little or no exercise
• Being overweight by 20 pounds or more
• Having a family member with type 2 diabetes
• Being older than 45
• Giving birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds
• Having gestational diabetes during a pregnancy
• Being African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian American, or of Pacific-Islander descent

Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing complications. A doctor should be consulted if any symptoms of diabetes are noticed. Some people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms so mild that they don't realize. These symptoms can include:

• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• ingling, pain or numbness in the hands/feet

National Diabetes Month is a time to spread awareness about diabetes and its risks, and to promote healthy living. Visit Health Net's Diabetes Prevention page to learn more.