It’s probably not what you want to think about during the holiday season, but frankly, what better time to bring awareness? Diabetes is a disease that happens when your blood sugar is too high. Because insulin is the hormone that helps move glucose out of your blood and into your cells for energy, if your pancreas does not make enough insulin, the glucose stays in your blood. Here’s what we should all know and share about diabetes.

Your risk of developing type 2 diabetes goes up after the age of 45

The difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is this: In type 1 diabetes, your immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. This is usually diagnosed in children, but it can happen at any age. Type 2, however, is when your body does not make insulin well. Again, you can develop this at any age, but the risk goes up for middle-aged and older adults.

Some people with prediabetes or diabetes may not have any symptoms

Some of the symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, increased urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. However, some people may not have any symptoms at all. That’s why it’s important to get tested, especially if you have a risk factor such as being overweight or middle-aged, or having a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.

A fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test is not the only way to diagnosis diabetes

Another option is a hemoglobin A1C, a blood test that measures your average blood glucose for the past two to three months. A result of less than 5.7 percent is normal, 5.7 percent to 6.4 percent is considered prediabetes, and 6.5 percent  or higher is considered diabetes.

Look for the Hy-Vee Healthy You Mobile Tour in November

During the month of November, the Hy-Vee Healthy You Mobile will be on tour offering free hemoglobin A1C screenings. The Healthy You Mobile will be at the Austin store from 4-8 p.m. on Nov. 28.

Gingerbread Overnight Oats

Serves 1

All you need

•½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats

•½ scoop stevia-sweetened vanilla protein powder

•½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

•2 tsp chia seeds

•1 tsp molasses

•¼ tsp vanilla extract

•1/8 tsp cinnamon

•1 pinch ground ginger

•1 pinch ground cloves

•1 pinch ground nutmeg

•1 tbsp walnuts, chopped

All you do

1. Add all of the ingredients, except the walnuts, to a small bowl and mix until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a jar or resealable container. Refrigerate overnight.

Top oats with walnuts just before enjoying.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 350 calories, 11g fat, 1g saturated fat, 170mg sodium, 39g total carbohydrate, 8g fiber, 5g sugar, 22g protein.

Source: American Diabetes Association