Holiday closure Monday May 28: Most county offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

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Phone: 206-205-5017

November is American Diabetes MonthNovember is American Diabetes Month

Diabetes affects more than 23 million people in the US. Recent studies show that a person’s risk for stroke more than doubles if you’ve had Type 2 diabetes for five years and triples after ten.  And women with diabetes have a higher risk of fatal heart attacks and kidney disease than men.

When your body breaks down foods, glucose (a sugar) is produced. Insulin – a hormone produced by the pancreas – helps to carry the glucose to the body’s cells where it is used for energy.  In Type 2 diabetes either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin (hypoglycemia) or the cells ignore insulin, causing you to have too much glucose in your blood (hyperglycemia).

Physical activity is an important part of managing – and even preventing – Type 2 diabetes.  Among its many benefits, physical activity improves your body’s ability to use insulin. Physical activity also helps to keep your blood sugar levels and your blood pressure low, and help you lose weight and lose body fat – all things that reduce your risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Being active is important; might even sound great, in theory. But, it can be difficult to start a new program, or even keep one going, when the Northwest days become shorter, darker, colder and wetter. Don’t let this get in your way. Here are some “at work” ideas to get – and keep – you active:

  • Take advantage of one of the Activity Centers at King Street or the Chinook building, along with its classes.

  • Are there stairs in your building? Start a stair-climbing club with some of your co-workers or take them on your own, challenging yourself to each time go a little higher.

  • You can even reserve some time in a conference room, bring in some music and dance around the room (or save that that for your living room!)

For more physical activity ideas at work and at home, visit the Move More page and Take Action.

Check Your Diabetes Risk

This test was designed by the American Diabetes Association and, just by being here, you've taken the first step toward knowing your risk for type 2 diabetes. That's important, because every person who knows their risk for type 2 makes one more person with the power to stop it.

So, c'mon. You're less than 10 questions away from making a difference.