1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Type 2 Diabetes

November is World Diabetes Month. Know the Symptoms.

It's true that 24 million Americans have diabetes, but another estimated 5 million, or more, don't even know that they have the disease. National Diabetes Month brings diabetes to the forefront. Know the risk factors, and the signs of diabetes.

What to Know About Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Spotlight10

Type 2 Diabetes Blog with Debra Manzella, R.N.

Fight It! Friday Campaign Offers Unique Way to Donate for Diabetes

Tuesday November 24, 2009

The Fight It! Campaign, founded by Christopher Thomas and his website, Diabetic Rockstar, are holding a unique kind of fundraiser. This Friday, November 27th, traditionally known as "Black Friday" will be a day when those who would like to help people who can't afford their diabetes supplies, can donate one dollar to the Fight It! Friday cause.

All the money collected goes to people who need it. The average person with diabetes spends $14,000 a year on medical expenses. Fight It! helps people who can't afford their diabetes supplies.

Diabetic Rockstar's Fight It! campaign raises money to help financially struggling people with diabetes using many fund-raising events.

The Diabetic Rockstar website was created by Christopher Thomas, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2007. The Fight It! Campaign was born out of his desire to help people with diabetes.

What is the philosophy of the Fight It! Campaign? In the words of Christopher Thomas, "Fight It! is an unique non-profit campaign that aims to help financially struggling, uninsured and newly diagnosed diabetics. While larger non-profits and organizations raise money for a cure, we are fighting for those waiting for a cure. The goal is simple: To ensure that no diabetic must struggle, whether it is physically, emotionally or financially, anymore."

Diabetic Rockstar, Inc. is incorporated as a non-profit charity in the state of New York as of October 31, 2008.

Visit Diabetic Rockstar and see what the Fight It! Friday Campaign is all about.

The Signs of Diabetes... Do You Know What to Look For?

Wednesday November 18, 2009

24 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, but it's estimated that an additional 5.7 million people have the disease and don't know it.

How is that possible? Type 2 diabetes doesn't always have clear symptoms, and many times people aren't even aware that they have it. Sometimes the first time it's diagnosed is after a check-up or physical.

Diabetes does have symptoms. Read here to find out what they are...

Photo courtesy of Digital Vision/Getty Images

Tis the Season to Focus on Your Health

Wednesday November 18, 2009

Diabetes management is all about diet, exercise and medications. But is that all there is to life? Sometimes it can seem like it when you're trying to deal with type 2 diabetes, especially during the holidays.

Managing your diabetes is important, and celebrating the holidays can present challenges in the form of party foods, excess calories, and sugary or alcoholic beverages. Does the season have to derail your healthy plans? Not if you put more focus on the other parts of the holiday, and focus less on food.

  • Don't let holiday cookies and treats take over your life
  • Use holiday gatherings to get to know other people
  • Volunteer at church or in the community
  • Learn to make healthy holiday foods
  • Make time to exercise throughout the season

Shift the focus to fun and family and away from high calorie goodies. You'll have an enjoyable and healthy holiday season.

Photo courtesy of Ryan McVay/Getty Images

Have a Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving Holiday

Wednesday November 11, 2009

The holidays are a great time to reconnect with family and friends, and food is an enormous part of the festivities, especially at Thanksgiving time. When you have type 2 diabetes, it can be hard to stick to an eating plan especially when everyone around you is enjoying all of the holiday food.

Sometimes it takes a little planning to keep holiday meals in line with your healthy eating plan, but it can be done. Read here for some healthy ideas...

Photo courtesy Flying Colours Ltd/Getty Images

Explore Type 2 Diabetes
About.com Special Features

Conquering High Cholesterol

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Type 2 Diabetes

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.