2019 American Diabetes Month – November

by | Last updated Nov 29, 2023 | Published on Nov 23, 2019 | Podcasts, Awareness Month (P) | 0 comments

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Based in U.S., Outsource Strategies International (OSI) have years of experience in providing accurate HIPAA-compliant medical billing and coding services for physician offices, clinics, multi-specialty practices, dental clinics and group practices.

In today’s podcast, Meghann Drella, one of our Senior Solutions Managers, discusses the American diabetes month – November.

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Hello and welcome to our podcast series!

My name is Meghann Drella and I am a Senior Solutions Manager here at Outsource Strategies International. Today I will be discussing diabetes for American diabetes month.

Observed in November, “American Diabetes Month (ADM)” aims to generate widespread awareness about diabetes and its associated symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. An annual observance to draw attention to diabetes and its impact on millions of people in the United States and around the world is observed in November. Sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the monthly campaign is an opportunity for local and regional advocates to team up and work with partners across the US to raise awareness about the types of diabetes, symptoms, risk factors, and promote healthy living.

Regarded as one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States, diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. Glucose is vital for your health because it’s an important source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. If left untreated, high blood sugar from diabetes can damage the nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs. The underlying cause of diabetes varies by type. Chronic diabetes conditions include Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes (when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes) and gestational diabetes (which occurs during pregnancy but may resolve after the baby is delivered) are the two other types. However, these conditions can be effectively managed through a healthy lifestyle modification and medications to prevent further complications. Regular screening tests help in identifying the condition in its early stages and reversing the serious complications caused by the same.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is a chronic health problem in the United States, affecting 30.3 million people, as of 2018. It is estimated that 14 percent of U.S adults have diabetes – 10 percent are aware about the same and more than 4 percent remain undiagnosed. For the 2019 campaign, the diabetes community aims to bring attention to the severity of the problem through advocacy and awareness events, programs, and initiatives.

Generally, diabetes mellitus symptoms may depend and vary on how much your blood sugar is elevated. In some cases, people with pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, may not experience any specific symptoms initially. However, in Type 1 diabetes, symptoms may appear quickly and be more severe. The general signs and symptoms include – increased thirst, weight loss, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, irritability and slow-healing sores. However, as the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe and potentially dangerous and these include – frequent infections, such as gum or skin infections and vaginal infections, dark patches on the skin, foot pain and feeling of numbness in your extremities or neuropathy.

As part of the event, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is urging people to take a “60 seconds Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test” to find out whether they are at high or low risk of developing this condition. The test requires people to answer a series of questions about their weight, age, family history and other risk factors for developing this condition. Preventive steps are recommended for people who are at high risk of developing the condition. Incorporating healthy lifestyle changes can help slow or even stop the progressions to diabetes. A unique combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity and blood sugar monitoring plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels and preventing further complications.

Diabetologists offering treatment for diabetes mellitus are reimbursed for their services. The diagnosis, screening tests and other procedures must be documented using the correct medical codes starting with E11 to E11.9.

As part of the campaign, healthcare centers, hospitals and other health systems across the US are planning to host a wide range of events like seminars, discussions, presentations and share information on social media to raise public awareness about diabetes. People are requested to raise their voice, mark their fist, and share their image via various social media platforms under the hashtag #CountMeInADA. You can become a volunteer and donate your time in helping the diabetic community. Organizations can also participate in this event by sharing photos and videos of their employees and their organization in action.

Join the American Diabetes Month celebrations this November. Take control of your health by making healthy lifestyle choices.

Thanks for joining me and please stay tuned for my next podcast!

Meghann Drella

Meghann Drella possesses a profound understanding of ICD-10-CM and CPT requirements and procedures, actively participating in continuing education to stay abreast of any industry changes.

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