November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Caitlyn Rondello, Coordinator for the Diabetes Center with Knoxville Hy-Vee and Knoxville Hospital and Clinics says Type 1 Diabetes is when the pancreas stops producing insulin, and people who have Type 1 must take insulin to control blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is when the pancreas doesn’t work efficiently, and blood sugars become elevated, which puts you at risk for other health problems. Eating a balanced diet helps to prevent diabetes, or if you have diabetes, helps to control it. She says holidays make it difficult to avoid overeating or eating the wrong types of food. She suggests to focus on the true meaning of the holidays, by enjoying family, playing games, or doing outdoor activities instead of focusing so much on food. Family history, age, weight and race are all factors, so talk to your doctor, and they can check for pre-diabetes and take steps to put off or prevent the disease.