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With World Diabetes Day on Monday, November 14 and November being American Diabetes Month, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is boosting awareness of the prevalence and prevention of this global disease.   

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 29 million Americans are living with diabetes, and 86 million are living with prediabetes, a serious health condition that increases a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes, and type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5 percent.

If residents have one of the following risk factors, they are encouraged to talk with their physician:

• Being overweight
• Smoking on a regular basis
• Being 45 years or older
• Having a family history of type 2 diabetes
• Being physically active less than 3 times a week
• Ever having gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds.

To help prevent diabetes, HSHS St. Anthony’s encourages you to:

• Eat a healthy diet, and drink plenty of water.
• Choose to eat more vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Try and reduce the number of high-fat dishes like whole milk, cheese and fried foods.
• Consume smaller portion sizes, and eat slowly.
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes, five days a week. This could include walking, bike riding, swimming, and or dancing, among other forms of exercise.
• Talk to your doctor about your risks for diabetes and what more you can do to lower your risks.
• Find ways to stay calm during your day. Being active and reading a good book can help you lower stress.

For those who have diabetes and need assistance with managing their disease, St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital has a variety of services available, including a Diabetes Self-Management Program (by physician referral), a free monthly Diabetes Support Group, and a free Community Diabetes Program for those who need assistance in obtaining resources needed to manage their disease.  To learn what option is best for you, contact St. Anthony’s Clinical Nutrition and Diabetes Services at217-347-1288.  

For more information about the services offered by St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital to assist with diabetes and nutrition, visit St. Anthony’s web site atstanthonyshospital.org.  HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is part of the Southern Illinois Division of Hospital Sisters Health System, which also includes HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland.