{"id":8003,"date":"2024-11-27T15:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-27T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8003"},"modified":"2024-11-27T15:30:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-27T15:30:00","slug":"taking-charge-of-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8003","title":{"rendered":"Taking charge of diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2024-11-27T15:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming, but taking action now can help prevent complications down the road.<\/p>\n

November is National Diabetes Month<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Diabetes<\/a> is a chronic health condition where blood glucose, also called blood sugar, has become abnormal. This happens if a person cannot produce insulin (type 1 diabetes) or properly use insulin (type 2 diabetes). Over time, higher blood glucose levels can lead to blood vessel and organ damage. Common complications include eye and nerve damage as well as kidney and heart disease.<\/p>\n

According to the CDC<\/a>, there are around 38 million people in the U.S. with diabetes and around 98 million people with prediabetes.\u00a0The first step in managing diabetes is knowing your current risk factors. Some people, especially those with prediabetes, might not have symptoms. Speak with your health care provider if you have any risk factors<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Many ways to prevent complications<\/h2>\n

While it can be scary to learn that you have diabetes, there are many ways to take charge and help prevent complications. Stay up to date on your ABC<\/a>s:<\/p>\n