Crater Health District offers tips for National Diabetes Awareness Month
VENN
PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- In honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month, the Crater Health District is offering information and tips to help prevent and delay the disease.
The heath district said that one in four Virginians have diabetes and don't know it. Additionally, two million adults throughout Virginia have prediabetes which can put them at risk for health problems and potentially early death.
Health officials detailed the damage that untreated diabetes can do to a person's body, including:
- Long term organ damage
- Heart disease and stroke
- Nerve damage
- Vision loss/blindness
- Dementia
- Mental health issue
Certain individuals have a higher risk for type 2 diabetes, according to the health district, such as:
- Those who are overweight
- Those who have a family history of diabetes
- Those who had diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes)
- Those who live in a rural area (Rural areas report higher rates of diabetes in Virginia)
The health district offered the following tips and lifestyle changes to assist people in preventing the disease entirely as well as getting those currently struggling on the right track:
- Take the Risk Test
- Eat healthy
- Stay active
- Talk with your doctor or healthcare professional about your concerns
- Find a Diabetes Prevention Program or Diabetes Self-Management class near you
For more information about local programs and resources, people can contact Crater Health District directly by calling 804-863-1652 or by visiting their website.
More information about diabetes can be found by clicking here.
