November is Diabetes Awareness Month: Central Florida Health Care Leads the Charge Against Prediabetes!
Did you know that 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has prediabetes? The good news: it’s reversible. With simple, proven lifestyle changes—like losing weight, eating healthier, and increasing physical activity, people can take control of their health and prevent type 2 diabetes.
Kevin Manala, Nurse Practitioner at Central Florida Health Care and a specialist in endocrinology, advocates for these changes with every patient. “Every case is different,” says Manala, “so we tailor care to meet individual needs.” As a type 2 diabetic himself, Manala brings both professional expertise and personal insight into his practice.
Unmanaged diabetes can lead to serious complications, including kidney failure, heart disease, and vision loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone can develop prediabetes, but the risk increases with age, family history, high blood pressure, excess weight, and certain ethnic backgrounds.
To meet growing community needs, Central Florida Health Care is building a new Lakeland Health Center on Missouri Avenue, which will house Polk County’s first Diabetes Center of Excellence—a dedicated space for education, prevention, and personalized care for diabetic patients. It’s expected to open in early 2026 and will also include a full teaching kitchen. There will also be a Diabetes Center of Excellence in the future Winter Haven Health Center. It will be a great resource for the community!
For more information on diabetes or to schedule a screening, visit cfhc.org or call 866.234.8534.
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