BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and county officials are encouraging the public to get tested. 

A chronic health condition characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose, diabetes can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. 

Some of the larger health issues individuals may experience include heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and lower-limb amputation, officials said. 

According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), more than 37 million Americans have diabetes. 

That figure represents one in ten Americans, one in five of whom are unaware of their condition. 

According to county officials, an estimated 96 million American adults have prediabetes, and without lifestyle changes, could develop Type 2 Diabetes within five years. 

Also known as Juvenile Diabetes, Type 1 is an autoimmune condition that affects people of all ages and requires daily insulin management, whether it be with injections or a pump. 

"National Diabetes Awareness Month, observed each November, is a time to raise awareness about the risk factors, prevention, symptoms, and treatment of all types of diabetes and to promote the importance of healthy lifestyle choices," county officials said. 

They continued, saying increased public awareness and access to screening, education and healthcare "can empower individuals to manage or prevent diabetes and improve outcomes." 

"Individuals, families, healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, and community organizations work to support those affected by diabetes and advance efforts to prevent and ultimately cure the disease," county officials said. 

For more information regarding diabetes prevention and treatment, visit https://diabetes.org/