April is Defeat Diabetes Month. This is a time dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging prevention, and empowering individuals to take control of their health. Diabetes continues to affect millions of people across the country, but the good news is that many cases, especially Type 2 diabetes, can be prevented or managed with simple, consistent lifestyle choices. Cameron’s Wellness Manager, Ryan Sheets, shared insight into the importance of raising awareness and steps to take in managing diabetes.
Why Defeat Diabetes Month Matters
Diabetes is more than just a diagnosis. Diabetes is a condition that can impact nearly every part of the body if left unmanaged. From heart disease and kidney damage to vision loss and nerve complications – the risks are real. But so is the opportunity to take action.
Defeat Diabetes Month reminds us that awareness leads to prevention, and prevention leads to healthier lives.
Understanding Your Risk
You may be at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes if you:
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Are overweight or inactive
- Have high blood pressure or cholesterol
- Are over the age of 45
- Have had gestational diabetes
The first step is knowing your numbers and talking with your healthcare provider.
Support for Prediabetes
If you have indications for prediabetes, it’s important to remember that this is a turning point, not a final diagnosis. Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes.
Cameron Health offers dedicated resources to help you reverse this trend:
- One-on-One Nutritional Counseling: Meet with our registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan focused on whole foods and portion control.
- Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) – Launching Soon: We are excited to announce that we have trained instructors ready to lead our upcoming DPP classes. This evidence-based program is designed to help you make the small, sustainable changes necessary to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes.
- Interested in joining our first DPP cohort? Contact the wellness team ([email protected]) today to be added to our interest list! This allows the team to gauge interest and have a ready-made list of participants once the start date is finalized.
By taking advantage of these professional resources, you can take control of your health one step at a time.
Signs to Watch For
Diabetes symptoms can be subtle, but some common warning signs include:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Unexplained weight changes
If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Early detection matters.
Take Action Today
The path to better health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, sustainable changes can make a big difference:
- Move more: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days
- Eat well: Focus on whole foods, balanced meals, and portion control
- Stay on top of check-ups: Regular screenings can catch issues early
- Manage stress and sleep: Both play a role in blood sugar control
Whether you’re making healthier choices, supporting a loved one, or scheduling a long-overdue screening, every step counts.
This April, be part of Defeat Diabetes Month by learning your risk, making positive changes, and encouraging others to do the same. Together, we can build a healthier future, one step at a time.