November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact that this disease has on millions of Americans. This year, National Diabetes Month is focused on the growing cost of diabetes for Americans. Diabetes impacts more than 30 million people in the United States. The effects of diabetes are not only physical and emotional but also financial. Research shows that following a healthier diet, regular physical activity and lower alcohol consumption reduce the risk of becoming a diabetic. Diabetes can be prevented but once a person becomes diabetic, it becomes a lifelong condition.

For more information about National Diabetes Month, please visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website and the American Diabetes Association website.