November is observed as National Diabetes Month established four decades back in 1975. In 1997, the American Diabetes Association marked this month as American Diabetes Month. It is important to raise awareness about diabetes as it is considered to be one of the leading causes of disability and death in America.

World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14. As per experts, one in 11 Americans has diabetes. This disease can lead to problems like blindness, kidney disease and nerve damage among other issues. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximate national cost of diagnosed diabetes in America is $245 billion.

There are two types of diabetes- type 1 and type-2-diabetes. The latter one is the most common type of diabetes and is responsible for 90% of the cases in the nation. On the other hand, type-1-diabetes is responsible for around 5% of cases.

Type-1-diabetes often happens in children, teens or young adults, but can be diagnosed among those aged up to 4o years. In it, the body’s immune system destroys the cells present in pancreas having responsibility to produce insulin.

Owing to insulin-deficit, people having type-1-diabetes require insulin injections on regular basis. In type-2-diabetes, body cannot produce sufficient amount of insulin. Excessive fat is considered to be main reason for insulin resistance.

Changes in lifestyle including diet can control type-2-diabetes. It is important to manage weight and have lots of fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy and do regular exercise, suggest experts to prevent diabetes.