|
About 57 million American adults aged 20 and older have pre-diabetes. Most do not know they are developing diabetes.
There are two main types of diabetes: Type1, usually found in children, teens or young adults. Type 2, also known as adult-onset has become the fastest growing disease in Americans of all ages. With diabetes, the body does not produce or properly use the hormone insulin that converts sugar, starches and other foods into the energy for daily living.
Diabetes can lead to many complications including severe damage to the eyes, teeth, gums, heart, kidneys, nerves, skin, legs and feet. It can also result in early death.
About 57 million American adults aged 20 and older have pre-diabetes. Most do not know they are developing diabetes. This is a condition where the blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. Pre-diabetes puts you at risk for type 2 diabetes.It is estimated that 23.6 million Americans have diabetes and 25% of them do not know that they have the disease. Untreated diabetes silently may cause much damage to the body.
The single biggest risk factor for Type 2 diabetes is obesity. Most experts believe the increase in obesity has triggered the dramatic rise in Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose (sugar levels) are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy. With Type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, high levels of glucose stays in your blood and can cause extensive damage.Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause serious problems. It can damage your eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes can also cause heart disease, stroke and even the need to remove a limb.
Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes may include fatigue, thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and frequent urination. Some people have no symptoms. A blood test can show if you have diabetes. Exercise, weight control and sticking to your meal plan can help control your diabetes. You should also monitor your glucose level and take medicine as prescribed by your physician which may include a program of insulin replacement.
The good news is that research has shown that many cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented with healthier eating habits, weight loss and a program of regular exercise.
References:
National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (niddk.nih.gov)
National Institutes of Health (NIH.gov)
|
