November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, an important time to raise awareness and promote healthier lifestyles to prevent and manage diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease that causes high blood glucose or sugar. A hormone called insulin is needed to move the sugar but diabetes limits the body’s ability to make enough insulin. When the body can’t make enough insulin or uses the insulin the right way, sugar builds up in the blood. This can cause harm to your eyes, kidneys and nervous system.

Bud here’s the thing. Over 37 million Americans have diabetes, and 1 in 5 of them don’t know they have it.

There are two types of diabetes:

• Type I is when the body can’t make insulin, while Type II is when the body is unable to use insulin well.

• A key difference is that Type II diabetes can be prevented or delayed.

Misinformation often prevents people from seeking help. Here are some common myths about diabetes–and the truths behind them:

Myth: Herbs or home remedies can cure diabetes.

Truth: Diabetes needs medical care and ongoing management.

Myth: Only older people get diabetes.

Truth: It can affect anyone, including kids and young adults.

Myth: If you feel fine, you don’t need testing.

Truth: Diabetes can be silent for years; fatigue may be the only sign.

Myth: Diabetes is a death sentence.

Truth: With treatment and healthy habits, people can live full lives.

Myth: People with diabetes can’t donate blood.

Truth: If well-managed, they can donate safely.

The good news is that you can do a lot to prevent or delay getting type 2 diabetes, including:

• Reaching and staying at a healthy weight

• Staying active

• Eating healthy

• Quitting smoking

Want more information? Check in with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.