The following information has been taken from the American Diabetes Foundation and National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Disease for your convenience.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
Approximately 17 million people in the United States, or 6.2% of the population, have diabetes. While an estimated 11.1 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 5.9 million people (or one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.
There are three major types of diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes - Results from the body’s failure to produce insulin, the hormone that “unlocks” the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes - Results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Approximately 90-95% (16 million) of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
- Pre-diabetes - Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that at least 16 million Americans have pre-diabetes, in addition to the 17 million with diabetes.
- Gestational diabetes - Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women – about 135,000 cases in the United States each year.
Diabetes Symptoms
Often diabetes goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.
Some diabetes symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Increased fatigue
- Excessive thirst
- Irritability
- Extreme hunger
- Blurry vision
- Unusual weight loss
If you have one or more of these diabetes symptoms, see your doctor right away.
Risk Factors
- Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders
- Over 45
- Overweight
- Little or no exercise
- Women having a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth
- Having a brother, sister or parent with diabetes
Take the online assessment at www.Diabetes.org
Complications of diabetes
Diabetes-related problems of the heart, kidneys, eyes, feet, skin, nerves, teeth and gums.
Diabetes Management
Learn how to manage your diabetes at www.ChangingDiabetes-us.com
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