Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body processes insulin and converts food into energy. As many as 10% of Americans live with some type of diabetes, which can be a disqualifying condition to serve in the military. Preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes (the most commonly diagnosed type among adults) helps maintain readiness and the long-term health of service members.
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Messages for Communicators
- It is possible for service members to stay in the military after being diagnosed with diabetes; however, it can have serious effects on meeting health readiness standards.
- There are three types of diabetes:
- Diabetes Type 1 – Rare and primarily diagnosed in young people. Requires daily insulin management.
- Diabetes Type 2 – Most common type, primarily diagnosed in adults, can be managed with diet, exercise, and medication.
- Gestational Diabetes – Occurs in pregnant women. Goes away once baby is born, but can have lasting impact on mother and child.
- Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight, through good dietary and exercise habits, is critical to preventing and managing diabetes and building overall fitness that supports service member readiness and optimizes performance.
- A significant risk factor for type 1 and type 2 diabetes is a family history of diabetes. Knowing your family medical history can help your provider judge your diabetes risk, and you can take appropriate preventive options.
- Studies suggest that rates of diabetes in the military are similar to those in comparable demographics among the civilian population.
- There are no known preventive measure for type 1 diabetes, but type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes like losing weight or being more physically active.
- Preventing type 2 diabetes starts early with establishing healthy habits in children, especially avoiding unhealthy and high-sugar foods like candy and soda, and promoting physical activity.
- Elevated blood glucose levels are a common early sign of type 2 diabetes.
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Suggested social media message: As many as 10% of Americans live with some type of #diabetes, a chronic disease that affects how the body processes insulin and converts food into energy. November is American Diabetes Month, to educated yourself on the risks, symptoms, and ways to prevent diabetes https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/index.html #American DiabetesMonth
Suggested social media message: Rates of #diabetes in the military have decreased in recent years, but thousands of service members still serve after being diagnosed. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, which can be managed with diet, exercise and medication. The Air Force Center for Excellence in Medical Multimedia has resources service members can use to learn about how manage diabetes, and lower their risk: https://www.cemm.af.mil/Programs/Diabetes/Type-2-Diabetes/ #AmericanDiabetesMonth
Suggested social media message: One of the biggest risk factors for type 2 #diabetes is weight. If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can decrease your diabetes risk. Learn how to #PreventDiabetes from the #CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevent-type-2/index.html #AmericanDiabetesMonth
Suggested social media message: A family history of #diabetes places you at a much higher risk of any types of diabetes. Know your family history, share it with your health provider, and take action to lower other risk factors of diabetes https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/risk-factors.htm #AmericanDiabetedMonth
Suggested social media message: Preventing type 2 #diabetes starts with establishing healthy habits children, which is a growing problem for American youth. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevent-type-2/type-2-kids.html #AmericanDiabetesMonth
Suggested social media message: DYK....? Diabetes and heart disease often go hand in hand. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerve that control your heart! Simple lifestyle changes can lower your risk of both. Learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-and-heart.html #AmericanDiabetesMonth
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"A family history of #diabetes places you at a much higher risk of any type of diabetes. Know your family history, share it with your health provider, and take action to lower other risk factors of diabetes. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/risk-factors.html #AmericanDiabetesMonth"
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