November is dedicated as National Diabetes Month, during this month we focus our attention on the growing cost of diabetes to American families.  Over 30 million Americans are impacted by diabetes, effecting not only their physical and mental health but also their financial well-being.  The average medical expenditures for people diagnosed with diabetes are 2.3 times higher than those without diabetes.   

OSTC  challenges you to make small changes throughout the month to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

1.  Take the American Diabetes Associations Risk Test.
2.  Check in with your doctor.  It is important to have a yearly physical
3.  Get Physical, it is recommended that you get 150 minutes of physical activity a week
4.  Drink water!  Avoid sugary drinks such as sweet tea, sodas, fruit juice and flavored beverages
5.  Eat fresh fruit and vegetables, and avoid foods high in trans-fats, saturated fats and sugars.
6.  Get plenty of rest, studies have shown that poor sleep quality increases the risk for diabetes and obesity
7.  Lose the extra weight.  Losing 7% of initial body weight has been shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 60%