National Diabetes Awareness Month

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time when communities across the country seek to bring attention to diabetes.

For those living with the disease the day-to-day can feel daunting, but with the support of AVH’s Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists—staying healthy over a lifetime can feel manageable. In partnership with patients, our compassionate team shares tips on establishing new habits, goal setting and management techniques that are built for each person’s unique needs. Offering individual counseling for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, our Diabetes Education Program helps patients gain the knowledge and skills needed to feel confident about caring for themselves and staying healthy.

Here are 4 methods for ensuring diabetes wellness:

Celebrate Your Successes

Sparkling water instead of regular soda at a meeting? A 20-minute walk at lunch? Small steps add up to big improvements in health—focus on what is working.

Explore New Devices

Technology can help decrease the burden of diabetes and help you meet health goals. Continuous glucose monitors give you valuable insight into your daily sugar patterns and allow you to see the effects of food, activity and medication. They put you in charge of your diabetes management. Other devices to consider are smart pens, insulin patches and integrated insulin pump systems.

Focus on Improving Sleep

Insufficient sleep, poor sleep quality and sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea all impact glucose management. Compromised sleep can increase insulin resistance and raise blood sugar.

Get an Annual Diabetes Check-Up

Schedule a wellness exam with your provider or educator. Review your medications, monitoring, screenings and routines. Share your challenges, concerns and goals to create a unique diabetes treatment plan that works for your life.

Seek Mental Health Support

People with diabetes are 2-3 x more likely to have depression than people who do not have the condition. Behavioral health support can be key to your wellness.

Learn how preventative care can help you manage your diabetes.