November is American Diabetes Month, and the North Shore Shape Up Wellness Program wants to share important information about the disease. According to the American Diabetes Association:

• Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes.
• Another 79 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
• The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $245 billion.

In 2007, according to the ADA, it was estimated that 8 percent of Americans had diabetes — and many of them hadn’t been diagnosed. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is less common and is a lifelong chronic condition whose onset cannot be prevented. It can usually, however, be managed. Those diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes will die if they do not take daily insulin shots.

Type 2 diabetes is far more common and is connected to obesity, inactivity and aging. More and more, though, it is being seen in children and adolescents. Pre-diabetes, a condition that could lead to Type 2 diabetes, is also increasingly common in American adults and children.

Most people with Type 1 diabetes are diagnosed as children. Those with Type 2 diabetes need to look out for the following symptoms:

• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Excessive hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blurred vision

See a doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in yourself. And do your best to prevent the onset of diabetes by staying physically active and eating a healthy diet, and encouraging your loved one to do the same. For more information about diabetes, download this two-page PDF from Anthem Health.