The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (DOH-Escambia) in Pensacola is observing National Diabetes Awareness Month in November. The department is highlighting the importance of diabetes prevention and management. It is providing information about the two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is not preventable and requires insulin. Type 2 diabetes is more common and can often be prevented with healthy habits.
DOH-Escambia suggests several steps to help prevent or manage diabetes. These include regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes a day for five days a week. The department also recommends eating a diet with whole grains and vegetables, managing stress, and getting enough sleep. These actions can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
This year, Senate Bill 958 created the Type 1 Diabetes Early Detection Program. The program works with Florida school districts to give parents and guardians information about early signs, risk factors, and screening for type 1 diabetes in children…