Diabetes affects nearly 26 million Americans and an estimated 79 million people are at risk for developing the disease. For people living with diabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes, family support is critical to staying healthy.
In observance of National Diabetes Month 2013, the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) and the Knox County Health Department want people to know that Diabetes is a Family Affair.
Diabetes is a challenging disease that affects the entire family in many ways. For people with diabetes and their families, it's important to work together to manage diabetes and prevent serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and nerve damage that can lead to amputation. People with diabetes who have a strong family support system are better able to cope with the day-to-day challenges associated with the disease.
It's also important to know that having a family history of diabetes, such as a mother, father, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes, puts you at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that you - and your family - can take small, but important steps to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.
Click here to visit the Diabetes Management section on the Knox County Health Department website for more information about diabetes management classes and other local resources.
In addition, the NDEP has resources that you can use with individuals, families and communities to take action in the fight against diabetes. Click here to learn more.
