November is American Diabetes Month and with more than 1 million adult Georgians living with the disease - equivalent to one in seven -- raising awareness is key to prevention and management. 

Diabetes is quickly becoming an epidemic in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes affects 25.8 million people, or 8.3 percent of the U.S. population. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood due to either a lack of insulin or insulin resistance. There are two major types of diabetes. Type I diabetes is typically diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults and due to genetics. Type II diabetes, the most common type, is diagnosed in adults and is preventable. Since the body is unable to break food down into energy, one of the most common symptoms is fatigue. Other symptoms include hunger, excess thirst and blurry vision.

When unmanaged and untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications and other diseases. Diabetes can cause blindness, nerve and blood vessel damage, painful sores and infections, kidney failure and lower-extremity amputations. It also greatly increases an individual's risk for heart disease, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

Type II diabetes is a preventable and manageable disease. Screening is recommended to determine if an individual is prediabetic.

"It is important to make diabetes prevention a priority if one is at increased risk. Prevention is as simple as eating more healthfully, becoming more physically active and losing a few extra pounds," said Donna DeCaille, registered dietician and nutritionist for the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

Eating more healthfully means eating a variety of nutritious foods in moderate amounts and sticking to regular meal times; it does not necessarily mean a more restrictive diet.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has identified 10 diabetes superfoods, including beans, nuts, sweet potatoes, dark green leafy vegetables and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.

"A diabetes diet is a healthy eating plan that is rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains," said DeCaille. "The diabetes diet is the best eating plan for everyone."

Becoming more physically active is also essential in managing diabetes. A well-rounded daily physical activity routine should include aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises, according to the ADA. This can be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or joining an exercise group for motivation and support.

As part of the DPH Worksite Wellness Demonstration Project, the Insulin Support, Tips and Exercise Program (InSTEP) is a research project conducted by DPH Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D., and aims at both improving diet and increasing exercise in employees. Participants commit to participating in activities on weekdays, avoiding artificial foods such as sweeteners, and choosing a specific dietary change for three months.

"Participants are also encouraged to attend booster sessions and lunch 'n' learns in order to maintain motivation," said Susanne Koch, DPH worksite wellness coordinator.

For more information on diabetes and tips on prevention and management, visit the American Diabetes Association at: http://www.diabetes.org/