National Diabetes Month

National Diabetes Month

November is National Diabetes Month which helps promote and raise the awareness of Type 1 and 2 diabetes. Seeing as gut health is our specialty, we thought we would summarise the latest thinking regarding our microbiome and diabetes. #nationaldiabetesmonth

Our gut bacteria is unique to each of us and develops based upon our genetic background, diet, age and exposure to antibiotics, amongst other things. We all have our own mix of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria and this mix is fundamental to supporting our health.

Research into the role of these different species of bacteria has increased in recent years and has investigated many areas of health and disease. One of these areas is the link between the bacteria and obesity and diabetes.

The research has linked a lack of healthy gut bacteria to increased gut inflammation and permeability, which may lead to insulin resistance and an increased potential for developing type 2 diabetes.

This inflammation and permeability has also been shown to be one of the potential factors involved in the development of autoimmune disease, which includes type 1 diabetes.

In addition, diabetic patients have been shown to have a different microbiome to those without diabetes and supporting the bacterial balance in our guts may be a useful strategy.

National Diabetes Month awareness

Adults with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to die from heart disease or stroke as people without diabetes. 

This is because over time, high blood glucose from diabetes can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. The good news is that the steps you take to manage your diabetes can also help lower your chances of having heart disease or a stroke:

• Stop smoking or using other tobacco products.
• Manage your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
• Develop or maintain healthy lifestyle habits – be more physically active and learn ways to manage stress.
• Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

Ultimately, the aim of the National Diabetes Month is to educate, advocate and cure this disease.

By trying to make this disease more visible we all can help in different ways by getting involved to inspire others, educate our peers and give back where possible.

Diabetes gut health

November is our opportunity to get the word out about diabetes.
It provides the space to:

• Raise awareness about risk factors and actions to prevent diabetes.
• Promote compassionate care to those living with diabetes.
• Provide messages of hope for those living with prediabetes and diabetes.