Diabetes is a major health care issue in the United States, impacting over 30 million people. A shocking fact is that one in four people don’t even realize they have the illness. This is why it’s so important to spread the word about it. National Diabetes Month is the perfect opportunity to do so.

The American Diabetes Association® established November as National Diabetes Awareness Month in 1975. In 1997, the ADA even trademarked the term “American Diabetes Month.” November also sees the annual advent of World Diabetes Day. Occurring on the 14th, the date was chosen in honor of Dr. Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1921.

Throughout November, health care communities across the United States educate the public about diabetes symptoms, diagnosis, and management. There isn’t a cure yet for diabetes, but a healthy lifestyle and proper management allows diabetics to live happy and fulfilling lives.

The first step to living well with diabetes is to have the condition diagnosed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention™ has created a useful website of resources you can use. This includes frequently asked questions as well as a pre-diabetes risk test that takes only a minute to complete.

If you suspect you or a loved one may have diabetes, consult a health care professional immediately. They can give you a formal diagnosis. Should you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, they can advise you on how to best manage it.

For diabetes help in Anchorage, AK, look to Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine. A leader in state-of-the-art medical care, this health and wellness clinic is dedicated to providing patients with the best care possible. Their doctors have been serving the community for over 20 years. Find out more about their offering, from women’s health care to pediatric care and travel medicine, online. For an appointment, call (907) 344-0200.