November is American Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about diabetes and its growing prevalence in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 38.4 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, which represents 11.6% of the population. Of those, 29.7 million have been diagnosed, while an alarming 8.7 million people remain undiagnosed. Among adults, 22.8% are unaware they have diabetes.
Many factors contribute to the development of diabetes, including obesity and physical inactivity. The CDC reports that 89.8% of people with diabetes are either overweight or obese. Additionally, 31.9% of individuals are physically inactive, meaning they engage in less than 10 minutes a week of moderate or vigorous activity.
To mitigate risks of diabetes, it’s crucial to adopt healthier lifestyle habits.
Here are some simple changes you can incorporate into your daily life:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit processed foods, sugars, and saturated fats.
- Stay Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. This can include walking, cycling, or swimming—find something you enjoy!
- Monitor Portion Sizes: Be mindful of how much you eat, even when choosing healthy foods.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and limit sugary beverages.
Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential, especially if you have risk factors for diabetes. Speaking with a provider can help identify any concerns and establish a plan for monitoring your blood sugar levels. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it’s vital to stay on top of your prescribed regimen, which may include medication, diet modifications, and regular exercise.
In addition to traditional primary care, Care Resource also provide Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) services to eligible patients. RPM utilizes physiologic monitoring devices that allow your clinician to track acute and chronic conditions from the comfort of your home. This innovative approach supports you in reaching your treatment goals by continuously monitoring your health metrics.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) has been instrumental in enhancing patient support and improving health outcomes. By leveraging physiologic monitoring devices, we empower patients—especially those with diabetes—to track changes in their health from the comfort of home. This innovative approach not only helps manage their condition effectively but also fosters ongoing attention to their health and well-being, ultimately preventing complications and guiding them toward their treatment goals.- John Sheridan, RN, Special Projects Coordinator
Monitoring your health and maintaining routine check-ups can help you manage your condition effectively and prevent complications. Remember, living with diabetes requires ongoing attention to your health and well-being.
Is RPM for you?
To discuss enrolling into Care Resource RPM program, or eligibility, please call us at 305-576-1234 Ext. 203.
About Care Resource
Care Resource is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. We provide comprehensive health and support services to meet the healthcare needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations. Please visit CareResource.org for more information.
