November is National Diabetes Month, and to help drive awareness around the disease and important link to oral health, Colgate Total has teamed up with the American Diabetes Association.

Latinos are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, especially if they have it in their family history. The key to managing diabetes is to promote lifestyle changes. As a fellow Hispanic and mother of two, Karla Martinez, Colgate Total spokesperson and TV host, provides below practical advice to your readers to stay healthy and smiling for generations to come:

Don’t skip breakfast: A healthy diet begins with a healthy breakfast, a fundamental factor in regulating blood sugar levels for the rest of the day. With our fast-paced lives, early wake-up times and long commutes, it’s tempting to skip that first meal of the day in order to get out the door.  I live by the old saying, “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper,” always incorporating nutritious choices.

 Keep your smile healthy: Did you know that people with diabetes are two times more likely to develop gum disease? Unfortunately, Latinos still experience higher rates of oral health issues such as cavities, plaque build-up or bleeding gums than the overall U.S. population. So I make sure my family follows a proper oral care routine: brushing twice daily, flossing, rinsing and going to the dentist every six months. To take care of my teeth and gums, I use Colgate Total, which is unsurpassed in its ability to prevent and reverse gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease.

Get in shape: Studies show that maintaining a healthy weight and exercising can help prevent or delay several conditions, including diabetes. I try to incorporate some physical activity every day for at least 30 minutes, five days a week. It can be a moderate activity like jogging or something more intense like running.

 Lean on the family: In addition to providing support for those with diabetes, the family helps to create awareness for each member to live healthy lives. Children can be great helpers, as they constantly remind adults to stay healthy. Also, you can build a support system with other friends who practice a healthy lifestyle.

 Consult the experts: Beyond the advice from the neighbor, family member or friend, it is necessary to visit the experts: the doctor and the dentist. Regular check-ups help avoid unexpected surprises. Sometimes time and money make us postpone medical or dental visits, but a visit on time can save us time and money in the long-term.

Look beyond genetics: You’ve probably heard that type 2 diabetes can be linked to genetics. However, it’s not only genetics that can contribute to the disease, but also learned family lifestyles and habits. Having a healthy lifestyle can also be part of your family traditions, and it does not have to be boring! Start a new tradition of dancing every day, cooking healthy breakfasts and visiting doctors and dentists to stay ahead of any health issues.

For more information and ways to manage your everyday reality living with diabetes visit www.Diabetes.org/everydayreality. For more information on the link to oral health, visit www.SaludOralyDiabetes.com.