Free Diabetic Supplies

November is Diabetes Month.  Some people know that and some don’t.  If you are reading this, you know now.

Diabetes care and education was not easy to obtain a few years ago.  Diabetes Month was unheard of.  The fact that all of these things are available now is proof that we are moving forward in the battle against diabetes.

Many cities and towns have planned Diabetes Expo’s that offer a wealth of information and support.  One expo is offering hands on interactive displays regarding how diabetes works, how medication works, diet and exercise and more.

Experts in behavior change, diabetes management and motivation will be speaking at various expos and some will be available for question and answer sessions.  They will be able to provide information regarding topics such as heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and blindness.

Sheryl Scott, Senior Program Director of the Diabetes Treatment Centers at Lutheran and Parkview hospitals stated, “Diabetes affects nearly 24 million people living in the United States today.  While people living with diabetes face a set of overwhelming tasks to manage their condition, tools and community resources like these events will hopefully provide the participant with added support and motivation needed to get back or stay on track.”  Scott went on to explain that diabetes can be a devastating disease, but through early detection, intervention and treatment, the effects can be minimized.

According to the American Diabetes Association, knowing the “ABCs of diabetes” is important in the prevention or delay of the disease.  The ABCs include keeping your AIC (average glucose blood level over 3 months) below 7%; keeping your Blood pressure below 130/80; and keeping your Cholesterol under balanced and under control.

Diabetes Expos or other diabetes events are usually free to the public.  If you have diabetes, have a friend or relative dealing with diabetes; or simply want information so you know the symptoms and treatments, look for an expo or a Diabetes Month event in your city or town.  The first step in dealing with diabetes is getting accurate information as early as possible.  Hopefully, you can get the information before you have diabetes so that you can make adjustments in your life to stop diabetes before it starts.