The Fremont Senior Living Diabetes Awareness in the Community

It was November 1975 when the American Diabetes Association (ADA) first declared November National Diabetes Awareness Month. While diabetes is a common condition among Americans, there are still many Americans that are unaware of what diabetes is, who is at risk, and what chronic conditions can result from the disease. For example, most Americans with diabetes have Type 2, which is highly preventable with diet, exercise, education, and understanding of the disease. As Director of Wellness at The Fremont Senior Living, it is up to me to spread awareness and provide education for diabetes.

The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is Type 1 starts at a young age typically and the pancreas does not produce insulin at all. Type 2 can be controlled by oral medications and or by insulin and is usually lifestyle related. Some early signs and symptoms of diabetes are neuropathy, excessive thirst or urination, lethargy, and a wound that is slow to heal. Comorbidities that could arise because of diabetes include heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and blindness.

Lifestyle changes that can be made to decrease the risk of diabetes are keeping a healthy weight, avoiding fad diets, and staying physically active. Easy access to high calorie foods, poor income, high-calorie, cheaper foods, and lack of a safe place to exercise are some obstacles for at-risk Americans.

We support our residents that have diabetes by assisting with healthy food choices, monitoring for signs of hyper and hypoglycemia, and checking skin integrity.

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of diabetes. The Wellness Team of

The Fremont Senior Living is highly trained to recognize, educate, and help with the prevention of diabetes. We are also skilled with assisting residents currently afflicted with the disease.