"Are you at Risk?"
Approximately 15.7 million people, or 5.9 percent of the population in the United States, have diabetes, a disease that prevents the body from producing or properly using insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The American Diabetes Association estimates that of the 15.7 million people, 5.4 million are not aware that they have the disease.
Like other chronic diseases, diabetes poses a wide range of problems for the sufferer of the disease as well as their family members and friends.
These problems can include pain, hospitalization, changes in lifestyle and numerous physical disabilities. What's more, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death (sixth leading cause of death by disease) in the United States. There are two major types of diabetes:
Type 1:
An autoimmune disease most often occurring in children and young adults in which the body does not produce any insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to stay alive. Type 1 accounts for 5 - 10 percent of diabetics. Warning signs include frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, extreme fatigue and irritability. (Keep in mind that these symptoms may also be indicative of other conditions.)
Type 2:
A metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or properly use insulin. It is the most common form of the disease and accounts for 90 to 95 percent of diabetics. People with Type 2 often have no symptoms. However, warning signs include any of the Type 1 symptoms, plus frequent infections, blurred vision, cuts or bruises that are slow to heal, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet and recurring skin, gum or bladder infections. (Keep in mind that these symptoms may also be indicative of other conditions.)
Who's at risk for Type 1?
Siblings of people with Type 1 diabetes or children of parents with Type 1 diabetes.
Who's at risk for Type 2?
- People over age 45
- People with a family history of diabetes
- People who are overweight
- People who do not exercise regularly
- People with low HDL or high triglycerides
- Certain racial and ethnic groups
- Women who had gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes occurring in two to five percent of all pregnancies, or who have had a baby weighing nine pounds or more at birth.
Diabetes can also create several other health complications including blindness, kidney disease, heart disease and stroke, nerve disease, amputations and impotence. Type 2 diabetes, the most common, can be controlled through weight loss, improved nutrition, exercise and possibly oral medications and/or insulin as prescribed by your doctor.
If you have a family history or are experiencing any of the warning signs listed above, be sure to see your doctor immediately for a test and evaluation. Early and proper treatment can increase your chances of living a normal lifestyle.