5 things to remember during Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States, and is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and adult blindness. But this national health epidemic can be prevented through identification of prediabetes and adoption of healthy lifestyle changes. Please consider the following as we recognize November as National Diabetes Awareness Month.

1. Diabetes can impact almost anyone. In the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled. Today, more than 34 million Americans have diabetes, with 6.8 million still undiagnosed. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates there are 88 million people with pre-diabetes and 1.5 million are diagnosed every year.

2. Diabetes is costly. Medical costs for people with diabetes are twice as high as for people who don’t have diabetes. Each year, Americans spend $237 billion on medical care, treatment and supplies, and hospitalizations related to diabetes. And the annual cost of lost productivity due to the premature deaths attributed to diabetes is estimated to be $19.9 Billion.

3. A1c is the gold standard of diabetes testing. ExamOne was the first company in the life insurance industry to include A1c testing in its insurance profiles. This test can not only be used to diagnose diabetes, it can also identify prediabetes. Find out why it’s the preferred test for life insurance applicants.

4. Diabetes can be prevented. Knowing the results of A1c testing helps increase applicants’ awareness of their current health status and empowers them to lead a healthier lifestyle if needed. As part of the life insurance process, applicants can view their laboratory results securely online at MyExamOne.com within 2 weeks of their exam. Learn more about online laboratory results at ExamOne.com.

5. Get help to build healthy new habits. If A1c testing confirms prediabetes, taking proactive steps like joining the CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program can support lifestyle changes that have been proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. This program focuses on taking manageable steps to eat more healthy foods, become more physically active, and effectively manage stress.

See how some of our employees stay motivated to keep active.

For more information on how the American Diabetes Association is working to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes, visit diabetes.org.