By Debra Hollon, MS, RD, LDN

Only a few days ago we wrapped up the candy packed holiday of Halloween. (Hopefully due to Be Fit, PORTION CONTROL was part of your plan). Now on to World Diabetes Day. You’re probably thinking, what is World Diabetes Day? November 14 has been set aside to help bring attention to the growing issue of Diabetes around the world. This year’s theme is “Diabetes Education and Prevention.”

Why should you be interested?  It has been estimated that every 10 seconds 2 people develop Diabetes. Most likely this means that you or someone you know is being impacted by Diabetes in some fashion.

What can you do?

Here at Mass General, we hosted a Diabetes Fair in the main corridor of the hospital Monday, November 15 th. Part of this event included blood glucose finger sticks.  In past years, we’ve found people with high blood sugar who didn’t know it until this test! 

 Be aware of the common symptoms of Diabetes:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Lack of energy 

Diabetes can affect anyone.  If left untreated, it is deadly.  If you show these signs, seek medical attention now.  These signs can be mild or absent in people with Type 2 Diabetes.  See all the warning signs at:  www.worlddiabetesday.org.

(Deb is a Senior Clinical Nutritionist at MGH)