November 14 is World Diabetes Day and November is Diabetes Month in both the United States and Canada . Diabetes is a condition that affects approximately 1 out of every 11 people worldwide and up to 50% of those living with diabetes don’t know that they have it . Diabetes reduces immune response and increases risk of heart attack and stroke . It can result in eye damage , kidney failure , nerve and blood vessel damage , gum disease , wounds , and amputations . BUT, these complications can be PREVENTED with appropriate management. This month I will be doing a series of posts that will cover: - What diabetes is - Risk factors - How diabetes affects women specifically - Key factors in management - Diabetic foot and wound care to prevent amputation ____________________ WHAT IS DIABETES? When we eat food, our body breaks down the carbohydrates ("carbs") into a sugar called GLUCOSE. Ca...