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November is American Diabetes Month, sponsored by the American Diabetes Association. The vision of the Association is a diabetes free life, free of the countless burdens that accompany the disease that is spreading rampantly around the country. The main goal of the initiative is to raise awareness and to focus America’s attention on to the issues of diabetes and the many people who are affected by it.
According to the American Diabetes Month website, the following are a few of the recent statistics on diabetes:
- Approximately 30 million children and adults in the US have diabetes.
- Another 86 million Americans have signs of prediabetes and are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- It is estimated that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $245 billion.
Studies have shown that there is a close connection between diabetes and oral disease, specifically periodontal disease. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of the diabetes. Individuals who don’t have control of their diabetes are especially at risk, but it’s a catch-22, because research also suggests that periodontal disease may make it more difficult to control blood sugar. Periodontal disease is often preventable by following a good oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and exams.
This year’s American Diabetes Month theme is “America Gets Cooking to Stop Diabetes.” It is meant to inspire people of all ages to live a more active and healthier lifestyle, with an emphasis on cooking nutritious and delicious food. For more information, including helpful resource materials, visit the website of the American Diabetes Association.
