OSEA Safety Blog

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding diabetes, its warning signs, symptoms, and management strategies—is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels due to the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin. Diabetes can not only affect adults but also can affect children. While it is a debilitating condition with no cure, knowing the symptoms and how to manage them make a living with diabetes easier.

*There are two main types:

• Type 1 Diabetes: This autoimmune condition usually develops in children and young adults. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy.
• Type 2 Diabetes: More common than Type 1, Type 2 typically occurs in adults and is often linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity and inactivity. In this case, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it. Type 2 can often be managed through lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.

Recognizing the early warning signs of diabetes is vital for prompt intervention. Common symptoms include:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
• Unexplained weight loss (especially in Type 1)

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.

National Diabetes Awareness Month serves as a reminder to educate ourselves about diabetes and its impact on health. By understanding the signs and symptoms and knowing how to manage blood sugar levels, we can make informed choices, especially during festive occasions like Thanksgiving, which many Americans will celebrate this month. Together, we can promote awareness, support those living with diabetes, and encourage healthier lifestyles for everyone.

*Source: American Diabetes Association