Top Winter Skincare Tips from Body Bar MD

Embrace Your Best Skin This Winter

With winter just around the corner, now is the time to give your skin some extra love and attention. Cold weather can leave skin feeling dry, dull, and irritated, but with the right care, you can enjoy a glowing, healthy complexion all season long. Body Bar MD offers expert skincare advice and treatments to keep your skin radiant and resilient through winter. Check out our winter skincare tips to keep your skin glowing all season long.

Why Winter Skin Care is Important

Winter weather can dehydrate and irritate the skin, making it essential to adjust your routine. Indoor heating, low humidity, and harsh winds strip skin of moisture, leading to dryness and flakiness.

Top Winter Skincare Tips

Here are some tried-and-true tips to keep your skin looking its best during the colder months:

  • Hydrating Moisturizer: Switch to a richer moisturizer that deeply hydrates and protects the skin.
  • Gentle Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells, allowing your moisturizer to penetrate more effectively.
  • Sunscreen Still Matters: Don’t skip sunscreen, even in winter. UV rays can still damage skin on cloudy days.

Body Bar MD’s Skincare Solutions

We offer a range of skincare treatments, from laser skin rejuvenation to medical-grade skincare products tailored to combat winter dryness. Our team will help you create a routine that nourishes and protects your skin.

Closing Thoughts

This winter, don’t let dry, dull skin hold you back from looking and feeling your best. Cold weather can be tough on your skin, but with the right care, you can maintain a healthy, radiant complexion all season long. At Body Bar MD, we offer a range of personalized skincare services designed to nourish, protect, and rejuvenate your skin, even in the harshest winter conditions. From hydrating facials to customized skincare routines, our team of experts is here to guide you in achieving optimal skin health. Schedule a consultation today to discover how our tailored treatments can keep your skin glowing and resilient throughout the winter months. Let us help you embrace your best skin this season

The Self-Care Revolution & Transform Your Health with Self-Care

How Making Yourself a Priority Transforms Your Health

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of self-care. But prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Taking time to invest in your well-being can transform every area of your life, from physical health to mental clarity and confidence. At Body Bar MD, we believe self-care is the foundation of a healthy, happy life. It is time to transform your health with self-care

Why Self-Care Matters for Your Health

When we don’t take time for self-care, it can lead to burnout, stress, and even health problems. Practicing self-care doesn’t mean spending hours pampering yourself; it can be as simple as committing to small daily habits that prioritize your needs.

Easy Ways to Incorporate Self-Care Into Your Routine

Here are a few practical, quick self-care strategies:

  • Daily Movement: Even a 15-minute walk can reduce stress and boost energy.
  • Balanced Nutrition: Fueling your body with the right nutrients helps you feel your best.
  • Regular Checkups: Self-care includes preventive health. Body Bar MD offers comprehensive wellness checkups to help you stay on top of your health goals.

How Body Bar MD Can Help

From personalized weight loss programs to hormone therapy, Body Bar MD provides self-care options tailored to your unique needs. Our team is here to support your journey every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

This November, make a commitment to yourself. Transform your health with self-care Let self-care be the priority that leads to a healthier, happier life. Reach out to Body Bar MD today and discover how our services can support you on this empowering journey.

The Personalized Approach to Weight Loss

Why It Matters for Lasting Health

For many, weight loss can feel like an ongoing battle. Yet, it’s about more than just seeing a lower number on the scale. Instead, it’s about creating a balanced, sustainable lifestyle that promotes health and wellness over the long term. At Body Bar MD, we believe in a personalized weight loss approach that respects each individual’s unique journey, metabolism, and health needs. Discover how a customized program can truly make a difference in achieving and maintaining healthy weight loss.

Why Choose a Personalized Weight Loss Plan?

Each person’s body is unique. This means that weight loss plans that work for one individual may not be effective for another. A personalized approach considers factors like metabolic rate, hormonal balance, lifestyle habits, and personal goals. By tailoring a plan specifically to you, we ensure that your weight loss journey is safe, effective, and designed to support lasting results.

Key Components of Our Personalized Weight Loss Programs

At Body Bar MD, our weight loss programs are comprehensive. They incorporate multiple aspects of health to support real, lasting change. Here’s how our personalized approach stands out:

  • Metabolic Assessments for Individualized Insights
    Your metabolism plays a critical role in how your body burns calories and loses weight. Through a detailed metabolic assessment, we measure your resting metabolic rate and overall caloric needs. This data helps us understand how your body processes energy. As a result, we can design a plan that aligns with your body’s natural rhythms, which maximizes results.
  • Hormone Balance Support for Improved Health
    However, hormonal imbalances can hinder weight loss and may cause symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and stubborn weight gain. That’s why Body Bar MD offers hormone balance support to ensure your hormones are fully optimized. Furthermore, from thyroid assessments to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), we help regulate hormone levels, which, in turn, boosts energy, metabolism, and weight loss success
  • One-on-One Coaching for Ongoing Motivation
    Ultimately, accountability is key to achieving your goals. Therefore, our weight loss programs include one-on-one coaching, providing you with consistent support and motivation. In addition, our experts are here to celebrate your successes, help you navigate setbacks, and offer guidance every step of the way
  • Customized Nutrition Plans for Long-Term Success
    Nutrition is, indeed, essential for healthy weight loss. At Body Bar MD, we carefully create customized nutrition plans that meet both your dietary needs and preferences. Moreover, our focus is on balanced, nutrient-dense meals that not only satisfy your hunger but also fuel your body. Additionally, we guide you in making sustainable dietary choices to help you nourish your body for optimal health..

The Benefits of a Personalized Weight Loss Approach

Choosing a personalized weight loss plan offers numerous advantages:

  • Sustainable Results: By addressing underlying factors, such as metabolism and hormones, our approach helps you achieve results that last.
  • Improved Health Beyond Weight Loss: Our programs focus on overall wellness, supporting benefits like increased energy, better mood, and a stronger immune system.
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Life changes, and so do your needs. Our plans adapt to your evolving goals and lifestyle, ensuring continued success.

Why Body Bar MD Stands Out for Personalized Weight Loss Program

At Body Bar MD, we are truly committed to helping you succeed through a patient-centered approach. Furthermore, our team of experts, led by Dr. Christy Watson, combines medical knowledge with compassionate care. From the initial assessment to every step along the way, we consistently provide customized care that’s as unique as you are.

Take the First Step Toward Sustainable Weight Loss

If you’re ready to begin a personalized weight loss program tailored just for you, then reach out to Body Bar MD. With our personalized programs, healthy weight loss becomes achievable and empowers you to embrace a balanced lifestyle. So, discover how a customized approach can truly lead to real, lasting results.

Contact Body Bar MD today to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward a healthier, happier you.

Holiday Body Contouring:

Explore the Benefits of Body Contouring for Holiday Season Confidence

With the holidays right around the corner, many of us want to look and feel our best for upcoming gatherings, parties, and celebrations. If you’re seeking a way to boost your confidence and achieve your aesthetic goals, body contouring treatments may be the perfect solution. At Body Bar MD, we offer a variety of non-invasive and minimally invasive body sculpting options to help you achieve smooth, natural-looking contours with little to no downtime.

What is Body Contouring?

Body contouring refers to a range of aesthetic treatments designed to reshape or enhance your body’s natural form by targeting specific areas. These procedures can address stubborn fat deposits, cellulite, and loose skin, helping you achieve a more toned and sculpted appearance. Options at Body Bar MD include laser liposuction, non-invasive body sculpting, and advanced skin tightening solutions tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

Top Benefits of Body Contouring Before the Holidays

  1. Quick Results with Minimal Downtime Many body contouring treatments, especially non-invasive options, offer quick results with minimal downtime. This makes them ideal for those with busy holiday schedules who don’t have time for extended recovery. Whether you choose laser liposuction or a skin-tightening treatment, you can resume normal activities shortly after your session.
  2. Natural-Looking Results Body contouring treatments focus on enhancing your natural shape. With subtle, controlled adjustments, you can achieve smooth contours without the drastic changes or artificial appearance associated with more invasive procedures. This helps you look and feel like the best version of yourself—naturally.
  3. Target Specific Areas for a Custom Look Everyone’s body is unique, and so are their goals. Body contouring treatments allow you to target specific areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, or back, customizing your transformation for results that align with your personal aesthetic vision.
  4. Boost Confidence for Holiday Celebrations Whether you’re attending a holiday party or ringing in the New Year, feeling confident in your appearance can make all the difference. Body contouring offers a convenient way to achieve your desired look before the holidays, so you can celebrate with confidence and joy.

Body Contouring Options at Body Bar MD

At Body Bar MD, we provide a full range of body contouring options to meet diverse needs:

  • Laser Liposuction: Laser liposuction uses advanced technology to break down and remove unwanted fat for fast fat reduction results
  • Non-Invasive Body Sculpting: This option is perfect for those wanting to tone and tighten without surgery. Our non-invasive treatments stimulate muscles and reduce fat
  • Skin Tightening Treatments: Loose or sagging skin is common, especially after weight loss. Our skin tightening devices promote collagen and firm skin.

Why Choose Body Bar MD for Your Body Contouring Needs?

Body Bar MD’s approach to body contouring focuses on personalization. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Christy Watson, works closely with each patient. We create customized treatment plans tailored to individual needs. From consultation to post-treatment care, we prioritize comfort, safety, and satisfaction. Using the latest technologies, we commit to achieving natural-looking results. Every patient receives the best possible care from our team.

Get Holiday-Ready with Body Bar MD

If you’re ready to boost your confidence, now is the time to explore body contouring at Body Bar MD. Our expert team will guide you through options and help you choose the best treatment for your needs. Whether you want to slim down, tone up, or smooth out, we have a solution. Let us help you look and feel your best this holiday season.

Contact Body Bar MD today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a more confident you this holiday season.

November is American Diabetes Month: Why Diabetes Prevention and Management Matter for Your Health

Diabetes Prevention and Management

Diabetes affects over 34 million Americans today, or roughly 1 in every 11 people. Despite its prevalence, diabetes is often an invisible disease, with many individuals unaware they’re at risk until serious symptoms arise. This November, during American Diabetes Month, Body Bar MD is dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes, its impacts, and how you can take proactive steps to prevent or manage this condition. With the right resources, support, and early intervention, you can reduce the risk of complications and lead a healthier, balanced life.

What is Diabetes? Understanding the Basics

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). There are two main types of diabetes:

  1. Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body doesn’t produce insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
  2. Type 2 Diabetes: The more common type, where the body becomes resistant to insulin, often as a result of lifestyle factors such as diet, inactivity, and weight gain.

Left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision loss. However, early detection and lifestyle modifications can significantly lower these risks.

Why Diabetes Awareness and Prevention Are Essential

American Diabetes Month is an opportunity to educate individuals about diabetes risks and the importance of monitoring their health. Many people live with pre-diabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Without lifestyle changes, pre-diabetes often progresses to Type 2 diabetes. Early intervention through personalized health plans can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and support better long-term health.

At Body Bar MD, we emphasize diabetes prevention and management through:

  • https://bodybarmd.com/health-and-wellness-in/medical-weight-loss/Personalized Weight Management Programs: Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to lower diabetes risk. Our tailored weight management programs are designed to fit your unique body type, metabolism, and lifestyle, providing sustainable solutions for long-term health.
  • Nutrition Counseling: Understanding how to manage blood sugar through diet is crucial for preventing and managing diabetes. Our nutrition counselors work with you to create meal plans that balance carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, helping to keep blood sugar levels stable.
  • Hormone Support: Hormonal imbalances can impact your risk for diabetes and affect how your body processes blood sugar. Through hormone assessments and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), we can help balance your hormones, supporting metabolic health and overall well-being.

Symptoms of Diabetes to Watch For

While diabetes is sometimes silent, there are key symptoms that may signal high blood sugar levels, including:

  • Frequent thirst and urination
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Unintended weight loss (Type 1) or weight gain (Type 2)
  • Blurry vision
  • Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. At Body Bar MD, we offer comprehensive assessments to help identify early signs of diabetes and create a personalized wellness plan for prevention and management.

The Role of Preventive Health in Managing Diabetes Risk

Preventive health care plays a pivotal role in managing diabetes risk factors. By incorporating regular health screenings, blood tests, and lifestyle adjustments, you can stay ahead of potential health concerns. Body Bar MD provides individualized preventive care to monitor your health, supporting you with expert guidance and resources to help prevent diabetes and other chronic conditions.

Our diabetes prevention and management plans include ongoing support to help you stay on track. Whether it’s through regular follow-ups, dietary guidance, or lifestyle coaching, we’re here to support every step of your journey toward optimal health.

Take Control of Your Health During American Diabetes Month

This November, take action for your health by learning more about diabetes prevention. Body Bar MD’s experienced team is here to guide you with customized health plans and compassionate support. Diabetes can be challenging, but with the right resources and proactive care, you can significantly reduce your risk and lead a healthier, fuller life.

Schedule a consultation with Body Bar MD today to learn more about our weight management programs, nutrition counseling, and hormone support. Let’s work together to make American Diabetes Month the beginning of your journey to better health and wellness.

5 Proven Ways to Lose Weight Without Fad Diets

Sustainable weight loss without fad diets

Let’s face it—fad diets might promise quick results, but they often lead to frustration, plateaus, and yo-yo weight loss. At Body Bar MD, we’re all about sustainable, healthy weight loss that aligns with your personal wellness journey. Here are five expert-backed ways to achieve your weight loss goals, no trendy diets required. It’s time to create sustainable weight loss without fad diets.

1. Prioritize Whole Foods Over Processed Options

Whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, provide essential nutrients without the additives and sugars often found in processed options. Whole foods keep you fuller longer and help maintain steady energy levels. Making small swaps, like choosing a piece of fruit over sugary snacks, can make a significant difference over time.

Body Bar MD Tip: Not sure where to start? Our team can guide you through meal planning that fits your lifestyle, helping you feel your best without restrictive diets.

2. Find an Activity You Enjoy and Stick with It

Exercise doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym! The best workout is one you’ll actually look forward to. Walking, biking, dancing, or even gardening can help burn calories, improve mood, and boost metabolism. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to start seeing results.

Body Bar MD Tip: We offer personalized fitness recommendations based on your health profile, lifestyle, and goals, making exercise feel accessible and enjoyable.

3. Focus on Building Muscle

Building muscle not only tones your body but also increases your resting metabolism. Muscle burns more calories at rest than fat, meaning you’ll burn more energy throughout the day by incorporating strength training into your routine. Start with bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, and lunges, or consider light weights.

Body Bar MD Tip: Our team can create a strength-focused exercise plan for you, ensuring that each workout aligns with your goals and current fitness level.

4. Prioritize Sleep for Recovery and Fat Loss

Sleep plays a massive role in weight management. A lack of sleep can increase hunger hormones, making it harder to resist unhealthy cravings. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body recover and stay in optimal shape.

Body Bar MD Tip: If sleep issues are affecting your health, we offer guidance on improving sleep quality and balance, helping you feel refreshed and ready to take on the day.

5. Don’t Go It Alone—Find Support and Accountability

One of the biggest factors in successful weight loss is having support. At Body Bar MD, we believe in supporting your journey at every step. From consultations and personalized health plans to community resources, our team is here to help you stay motivated and on track.

Body Bar MD Tip: Our experts work with you to create a weight loss plan tailored to your lifestyle and health needs. We’re with you every step of the way, providing encouragement, advice, and the tools you need to succeed.

Ready to Transform Your Health? Let Body Bar MD Help!

True weight loss success comes from balance, consistency, and a personalized approach. At Body Bar MD, we offer a range of customized services, from nutritional counseling and fitness guidance to hormone therapy, all designed to support your health journey.

Start your journey todayschedule a consultation with our team to find out how we can support your wellness and weight loss goals, no fad diets required!

It’s time to create sustainable weight loss without fad diets

Why Fall Is the Perfect Time for Your Health Reset


Fall: The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Health
As autumn arrives, many people feel a natural urge to reset and refocus. Fall’s rhythm of change and renewal makes it an ideal season for a fall health reset. At Body Bar MD, we encourage our clients to use this time to establish wellness routines, strengthen health, and build resilience before the busy holiday season. Here’s why this season is perfect for a health reset and how we can support your journey.

Why a Fall Health Reset Sets You Up for Success
Fall invites us to slow down, reflect, and renew our commitment to wellness. With summer vacations over and more time spent indoors, setting a routine becomes easier. A fall health reset helps you get ahead of holiday stress and build a strong wellness foundation for winter.

How Body Bar MD Supports Your Fall Health Reset
Body Bar MD offers a range of services perfect for a fall health reset. Whether you’re focused on hormone balance, weight management, or immune support, our personalized approach ensures you make the most of this season. Here’s how we can help:

  • Hormone Balancing for Stress Management
    The holiday season often brings higher stress, which can disrupt sleep, mood, and energy levels. A fall health reset that includes hormone balancing prepares you to handle the season ahead. Our team creates a personalized plan to help you feel resilient and emotionally balanced.
  • Weight Management Programs to Build Confidence
    Fall is full of comforting foods and gatherings. But you don’t need to sacrifice health to enjoy the season. Our tailored weight management programs help you achieve lasting results as part of your fall health reset. With Body Bar MD, you can embrace the season with confidence and control.
  • Immune and Nutritional Support for Winter Preparation
    A fall health reset also strengthens your immune system before winter. Body Bar MD offers nutritional guidance and immune support to help you stay strong, healthy, and prepared for the colder months.

Start Your Fall Health Reset Today
Taking steps now for a fall health reset can make a huge difference by the holiday season. Establishing healthy routines with Body Bar MD means investing in a happier, healthier you. Don’t wait until January—schedule a consultation with us today to start your personalized health plan this fall!

Why Sober October? How Alcohol Impacts Your Hormones

Discover how alcohol affects your hormones and why Sober October is the perfect time to reset. Learn how Body Bar MD can help you achieve hormonal balance with personalized wellness plans and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to improve your energy, mood, and overall health

How Body Bar MD’s Unique, Personalized Approach to Health and Wellness Sets Us Apart

How Body Bar MD’s Unique, Personalized Approach to Health and Wellness Sets Us Apart

In today’s fast-paced world, achieving optimal health and wellness can seem overwhelming. Between fad diets, conflicting medical advice, and an overload of health information, it’s easy to feel lost. At Body Bar MD, we understand that no two patients are alike. That’s why we take a unique, individualized approach to health and wellness, ensuring that each patient receives care specifically tailored to their needs. From weight loss to hormone therapy, and everything in between, we focus on providing personalized solutions that empower our patients to live healthier, happier lives.

Why Personalized Care Matters

The key to lasting health and wellness lies in customization. Every person has a unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and set of health challenges. What works for one individual might not work for another. At Body Bar MD, we believe that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to healthcare simply doesn’t work.

Instead, our team takes the time to understand your individual needs, medical history, and personal goals. Whether you’re struggling with weight loss, hormonal imbalances, or sexual health issues, we work closely with you to create a personalized plan that addresses your unique challenges. This patient-centric approach helps us ensure long-term success and lasting results.

Body Bar MD’s Comprehensive Services

At Body Bar MD, we offer a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of each individual. Some of our most popular services include:

  • Medical Weight Loss: Our medical weight loss programs are not just about shedding pounds; they’re about achieving sustainable results. By focusing on each patient’s metabolic health, lifestyle, and goals, we create personalized weight loss plans that work. Our programs incorporate nutritional counseling, hormone therapy, and medical support to help you achieve lasting success.
  • Hormone Therapy: Hormonal imbalances can lead to a range of health issues, from fatigue and weight gain to mood swings and reduced sexual health. We offer bioidentical hormone therapy for both men and women to help restore balance and improve overall well-being.
  • Sexual Health Services: Sexual health is an important aspect of overall health and well-being. At Body Bar MD, we offer personalized solutions for sexual health concerns, including treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), low libido, and other conditions. Our goal is to help you feel confident and healthy in every aspect of your life.
  • Body Sculpting & Laser Liposuction: When diet and exercise aren’t enough, minimally invasive laser liposuction and body sculpting can help you achieve the body shape you desire. We offer a range of cutting-edge, non-surgical options designed to enhance your natural curves and help you feel your best.

Our Individualized Approach: The Body Bar MD Difference

What makes Body Bar MD stand out from other wellness clinics is our commitment to individualized care. From the moment you walk through our doors, you are treated as a whole person—not just a list of symptoms. Our approach includes:

  1. Thorough Assessments: We start with a comprehensive assessment of your health. This includes detailed lab work, hormone testing, and a discussion of your lifestyle, medical history, and goals. Our team will take the time to get to know you, so we can understand your specific challenges and needs.
  2. Customized Health Plans: Based on your initial assessment, we develop a customized health plan designed just for you. This plan may include a combination of medical weight loss, hormone therapy, dietary changes, exercise recommendations, and other treatments. Our goal is to create a plan that fits seamlessly into your life, making it easy for you to achieve your health and wellness goals.
  3. Ongoing Support: We understand that your health journey doesn’t end after your first visit. That’s why we provide ongoing support and adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. Whether you need follow-up appointments, lifestyle coaching, or additional therapies, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

Why Choose Body Bar MD?

Personalized Care: At Body Bar MD, you’re never just another patient. We take the time to understand your unique needs and craft a plan that’s perfect for you.

Comprehensive Services: From weight loss and hormone therapy to sexual health and body sculpting, we offer a full suite of services to address all aspects of your health.

Experienced Team: Dr. Christy and the team at Body Bar MD have years of experience in providing personalized health solutions. We stay up to date with the latest treatments and technologies to ensure you receive the best care possible.

Long-Lasting Results: Our customized approach leads to better, more sustainable results. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, balance hormones, or improve your overall well-being, we focus on long-term success rather than quick fixes.

Get Started with Body Bar MD Today

If you’re ready to take the next step in your health and wellness journey, we’re here to help. At Body Bar MD, we make each patient a personal mission. We’re committed to helping you achieve your health goals with a plan that works for you, not against you.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Christy and our dedicated team today, and discover how personalized health care can transform your life. Whether you’re looking for weight loss solutions, hormone therapy, or just a better way to feel your best, Body Bar MD has the expertise and compassion you need to succeed.

Ready to take the next step toward a healthier you? At Body Bar MD, we are committed to helping you achieve your personal health and wellness goals with a customized, patient-centered approach. Whether you’re looking for weight loss solutions, hormone therapy, or a full wellness plan tailored just for you, our experienced team, led by Dr. Christy, is here to support you every step of the way.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how Body Bar MD can help you live your best, healthiest life.


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November is American Diabetes Month

Did you know that 1 in 11 Americans today has diabetes? Despite its prevalence, diabetes is an invisible disease. It affects men and women, people young and old, and people of all races, shapes and sizes. Often there are no outward signs from the 29 million Americans who fight this chronic illness every day. That’s why there is a critical need to foster awareness and education while breaking down stereotypes, myths and misunderstandings about this growing public health crisis that affects so many of us.

Diabetes Statistics

This is exactly why the American Diabetes Association marks each November as American Diabetes Month: to bring extra attention to the disease and the tens of millions of people affected by it.

This November, the organization will showcase real-life stories of friends, families and neighbors managing the day-to-day triumphs and challenges of diabetes. The 2016 campaign, sponsored by Colgate Total® (National Oral Care Strategic Partner) and Medtronic Diabetes®, invites us to use #ThisIsDiabetes to share our personal stories and to start a dialogue about what it really means to live with diabetes.

Diabetes is more than the medications and devices used to manage it. For many, diabetes dictates how they organize their day, what they eat at every meal, how they choose to be physically active and how they spend their money. People with diabetes can have health care costs that are 2.3 times higher than someone without diabetes, as type 1 and type 2 require very specific forms of treatment.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and there is no known way to prevent it. Approximately 5 percent of people with diabetes have type 1, which means their body does not produce any insulin. Insulin is critical in order for the body to transport glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells for energy. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to live.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 90 to 95 percent of cases in the United States, and is caused when the body does not produce or use insulin properly. Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include being overweight, having a family history of diabetes and having diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes). Some people with type 2 diabetes can control their blood glucose (sugar) with healthy eating and being active; other may require oral medications or insulin, especially as the disease progresses. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as older adults.

Some women develop gestational diabetes, high blood glucose (sugar) levels during pregnancy, which requires treatment to protect the health of the mother and the baby. Gestational diabetes affects approximately 9.2 percent of pregnant women.

How to get involved

There’s a way for everybody to participate during American Diabetes Month in November. Share your story, or encourage a friend or family member to share theirs using #ThisIsDiabetes. Be sure to also follow the American Diabetes Association on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

You can also update your Facebook profile picture to help raise awareness, sign up to become an advocate and donate to help the American Diabetes Association continue their critical work. To learn more and view #ThisIsDiabetes stories from around the country, check out diabetes.org/adm.