November is Diabetes Awareness Month – If you have diabetes, you are at risk for kidney disease
ANN ARBOR – Why is the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) interested in helping people prevent or control diabetes? Because diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. In Michigan, over 2.7 million adults have prediabetes and most of them don’t know they have it. Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Many are unaware of prediabetes because there are often no symptoms. At this point, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. During November, which is Diabetes Awareness Month, the NKFM reminds all adults to be screened for prediabetes, and encourages them to take action to prevent type 2 diabetes.
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body no longer makes the insulin it should, or makes enough of it to control your blood sugar. Managing diabetes is the key to preventing its serious complications such as blindness, erectile dysfunction, circulation issues resulting in amputation, and kidney failure.
As many as 33% of Michigan adults, or one in three, are at-risk for kidney disease. If you have kidney disease, you also have a higher risk for severe COVID-19 complications. The NKFM is raising awareness about kidney disease and working hard to change these numbers. Take our one-minute Kidney Risk Quiz today to find out if you are part of the 33% and, if so, what you can do about it.
The following NKFM Programs can help you prevent or manage type 2 diabetes:
The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).
If you are diagnosed with or concerned that you might have prediabetes, you can join DPP from home or wherever you have access to the internet. You will learn to prevent diabetes as part of a small, supportive group led by a lifestyle coach. Participants learn how to eat healthier, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. Here are the upcoming DPP no-cost information sessions:
Monday, November 21 – 11:00am
Wednesday, November 30 – 6:00pm
Monday, December 5 – 11:00am
Wednesday, December 14 – 6:00pm
To register or for more information, visit ReadySetPrevent.org or call 800-482-1455.
Diabetes PATH Program (DPATH)
The NKFM offers the Diabetes PATH program, a no-cost program for people with diagnosed diabetes. The interactive online workshop features certified leaders to help participants learn to manage diabetes and engage in a healthier, more enjoyable life.
Diabetes PATH – Virtual
Tuesdays, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Six sessions total: November 15 through December 20, 2022
New participants can join through Tuesday, November 22, 2022.
To register, go online to http://www.nkfm.org/diabetes-PATH
2023 Diabetes PATH – In person
South Lyon Center for Active Adults
1000 N. Lafayette St.
South Lyon, MI 48178
Mondays, 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Six sessions total: January 23 through February 27, 2023
New participants can join through Monday, January 30, 2023.
To register, go online to http://www.nkfm.org/diabetes-PATH
More classes will be added in the future. Visit nkfm.org/path or call 800-482-1455. Additional PATH programs throughout Michigan can be found at mihealthyprograms.org.
If you would like to be checked for diabetes, but are concerned because you do not have health insurance, consider applying for health care coverage, including Medicaid, through your local county health department. You can also apply online here or call 1-855-789-5610.
The NKFM offers many interactive online workshops on disease prevention, disease management and physical activity for all ages. For more information, visit nkfm.org/distancelearning or call 800-482-1455.
About the NKFM
The mission of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is to prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it. With more than a million people in Michigan affected by kidney disease, the NKFM works to provide life-changing programs and services across the state. For the past 13 years, Charity Navigator — the nation’s leading nonprofit evaluator — has recognized the NKFM with its highest rating of 4 stars for success in sound fiscal management. nkfm.org
