EDITOR:

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and diabetes continues to be a serious and disabling condition that is on the rise. EVERYDAY 250 people have a foot or leg amputated, 120 lose the use of their kidneys and 33 people go blind due to diabetes. While there is no cure for diabetes, it can be controlled, and controlling diabetes helps prevent the disabling complications that are linked to the disease.

Diabetes Awareness Month is the perfect time for those of you who live with diabetes to take a personal inventory. Have you gotten off track with managing diabetes? Is physical activity part of your daily routine? Are you choosing healthful foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats most of the time? Are your blood pressure and blood sugar levels where they should be?

Make this November the month to take charge of your diabetes...see your health care provider and diabetes educator. If food issues are troubling you, make an appointment with a Registered Dietitian. Finally, look for other sources of support in the community like a support group or a Personal Action Toward Health (PATH)workshop. Diabetes is not always easy to manage but help is available! If you would like help finding a diabetes educator, dietitian or other support in your area, please call the U.P. Diabetes Outreach Network at (906) 228-9203. Take back control of your diabetes for life!

Ann Constance

Director of the

U.P. Diabetes Outreach Network