In November we recognize multiple health campaigns. All aimed at improving your vitality. This spotlight is focused on American Diabetes Month. Many Americans are either at risk of or have diabetes. It is growing in prevalence and has serious consequence. These include blindness, kidney failure, amputation, heart attack and/or stroke. Therefore, our goal is prevention and early detection. In order to do this, you must first be aware of your non-modifiable risk factors such as age, race and family history. As well as your modifiable risk factors including, but not limited to poor diet, not exercising, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and smoking. Secondly, know your numbers. The most important of these is Hemoglobin A1c. This number is a percentage that reflects your average blood sugar over the past two and a half to 3 months. It will indicate no diabetes, pre-diabetes or diabetes. No matter what category you fall under, it’s important for you to know where you stand. And last, but certainly not least, work with your health care provider to develop a plan for prevention. Or if you have diabetes, a plan how to best treat your disease and keep you at the goal of therapy