About Diabetes
As many as 20.8 million adults and children in the United States are afflicted with diabetes. Another more frightening statistic is that nearly 1/3 of those individuals are unaware of the fact that they have the debilitating disease.
When a health crisis strikes, it’s important to know that you have the most effective resources at your disposal. If someone doesn't know they're suffering from diabetes, it's highly unlikely they'll know the proper steps to take. The name of the game is getting control of diabetes... before it gets control of you.
WHAT IS DIABETES?
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.
FACTS & FIGURES
There is Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Most of the type 1 cases are diagnosed in children, teens and young adults. With Type 1, the beta cells have been attacked by the body's immune system and destroyed, leaving the pancreas with the inability to produce insulin.
It's estimated that 90 percent to 95 percent of all diabetes cases in the U.S. are type 2, while at least 20 percent of the population older than 65 has diabetes mellitus type 2.
Type 2 diabetes, previously called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes, is the most common form of the disease. It can affect any age. Type 2 diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, where the cells of the body fail to use insulin properly. As the need for insulin rises, the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce it. This form of diabetes is associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity and race/ethnicity.
Gestational diabetes is a condition developed by women during their pregnancy. Although it usually goes away after she gives birth, women can become more susceptible to type 2 diabetes down the line.
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications including renal failure, blindness, coronary artery disease, stroke, kidney disease, amputation and other ailments.
In order to diagnose diabetes, there are several tests available including a fasting plasma glucose test, an oral glucose tolerance test and a random plasma glucose test. If you believe you have any of the symptoms of diabetes or pre-diabetes, consult with your physician to learn more.
With early detection, you'll be one step ahead and on the way to getting a handle on your health before it's too late.
With so many people affected by diabetes, it's important to know what to keep an eye out for. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by increased thirst, frequent urination, constant hunger, weight loss, blurred vision and extreme fatigue.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes include feeling tired or sick, excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, blurred vision, repeated infections and slow-healing wounds.
Even if you are diagnosed with any form of diabetes, a long, healthy life is not just possible; it's probable -- if you take control of your health. With the help of your health care provider, through supplementation, proper diet and exercise modification, diabetes can be managed.