(Photo illustration – MetroCreative)

PARKERSBURG — November is Diabetes Awareness Month and Nov. 3-9 is Diabetes Education Week.

The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department wants everyone to know the symptoms of diabetes, the difference between type 1 and type 2, and what can be done to help protect your health.

“Diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as it should.” said Malcolm Lanham, director of community health. “When there isn’t enough insulin or your body stops responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in the blood and over time can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, kidney disease and vision loss.”

There are two types of diabetics, type 1 and type 2. With type 1, the person’s body does not have insulin and it is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction. Type 1 diabetics must take insulin every day. In type 2 diabetics, their body does not use insulin well and cannot control blood sugar levels properly.

The CDC reports that about 38 million people in the US have diabetes, about 1 in 10 people and 1 in 5 don’t know they have it.

Symptoms of diabetes include severe thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue and weakness, slow-healing wounds, and unexpected weight changes.

Risk factors for having diabetes include a family history, being over 45, being overweight, having diabetes during pregnancy and having high blood pressure. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise and weight loss can help. Checking your blood sugar levels is important to make sure they stay in the correct range.

For more information, visit cdc.gov/diabetes.

The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department serves Wood, Wirt, Calhoun, Pleasants, Ritchie and Roane counties. Call 304-485-7374 or visit the website, movhd.com for more information.

Follow them at Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department MOVHD on Facebook and @MOVHealthDept on Instagram and Twitter.