November is American Diabetes month. The purpose of American Diabetes month is to raise awareness. According to the American Diabetes Association:

•  Nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes.
• Another 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
• The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $245 billion.
• Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.

So what is diabetes? There are two variations. As explained by MSU’s Health eGuide, Type I Diabetes occurs when the pancreas ceases to make insulin, a hormone that helps the body use sugar for energy. Lack of insulin causes a high blood sugar level which can be harmful to many parts of the body and can increase risk of other health complications. Type II Diabetes differs in that the body is still able to make insulin, however, it is unable to use it in the right way. While Type I Diabetes is not yet preventable, Type II can be avoided by living a healthy lifestyle.

This month and into the holidays, do your best to engage in a healthy and active lifestyle! You also can donate to help find a cure for diabetes here.