Take a look around your office, the restaurant when you're eating dinner, or at the grocery store. Chances are that many of the people you encounter on a daily basis, or perhaps even members of your family, have diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 26 million Americans already have diabetes. Another 79 million have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The Association projects that by 2050, 1 in every 3 Americans will have diabetes.

November is American Diabetes Month, designed to raise awareness of diabetes and the impact of diabetes in our society. Type 2 diabetes, where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the insulin isn't utilized effectively, is the most common type of diabetes and often can be managed with a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, and oral medications. In type 1 diabetes the body stops producing insulin completely. Both types of diabetes impact nerves and blood vessels. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure and blindness in adults, with $1 in every $5 healthcare dollars spent in caring for someone with diabetes.

Decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by maintaining a healthy body weight and getting regular physical activity and exercise. If you have a family history of diabetes, be sure to work with your physician to test your blood sugar levels on a regular basis.

During American Diabetes Month 2012, the Association

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encourages Americans to share "A Day in the Life of Diabetes" by uploading a personal image on your Facebook page to show what the daily life of diabetes means to you. For every photo/ image uploaded, CVS/pharmacy will donate $1 to the American Diabetes Association, up to $25,000.

Learn how you can share your personal image and story during American Diabetes Month by visiting facebook.com/AmericanDiabetesAssociation, stopdiabe tes.com or by calling 1-800-DIABETES.

Lynn Grieger, RD, CDE, cPT is a health, food and fitness coach in Manchester and online at www. LynnGrieger.com. She's also a cer ti fied diabetes educator at Rutland Regional Diabetes and Endocrinology Center.