Diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar is too high. Nationally, 16 million people have diabetes, and another 10 million are at high risk. …
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Diabetes Awareness - Are You at Risk for this Silent Disease?
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday
Issue 14, November 16, 2001
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What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar is too high Your blood
always has some sugar in it because the body needs sugar for energy to keep
you going However, too much sugar in the blood is not good for your
health Diabetes can be a very serious disease
Who is at Risk?
Your risk for diabetes goes up as you get older, gain too much weight, or
are inactive Diabetes is more common in African Americans,
Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Pacific
Islanders Risk factors of diabetes include
high blood pressure 140/90 or higher
a family history of diabetes
diabetes during pregnancy or having a baby weighing more than 9 lbs at
birth
You May Have
Diabetes and Not Know It
Diabetes is a silent disease - one you may have for years without knowing
it During this time, harm can occur to your eyes, nerves, and kidneys
If you have not previously been diagnosed with diabetes but have any of
the following symptoms, contact your health care provider:
o excessive thirst
o frequent urination
o weight loss without trying 3A144
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What Can You Do Now to Stay Healthy?
Whether you have been diagnosed with diabetes or you want to lower your
risk, taking the following actions is a significant step towards preventing
or delaying serious health problems:
Keep your blood sugar level, blood pressure, and weight under control
Stay active most days of the week Check with your health care provider
before beginning an exercise program
Eat low fat meals that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, and beans 3G814
Brush your teeth twice daily, floss daily, and visit your dentist twice a
year
Dont smoke
Take care of your eyes, heart, and feet, which are affected by diabetes
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November is American Diabetes Month
Nationally, 16 million people have diabetes, and another 10 million are
at high risk
Diabetes kills 180,000 Americans per year, according to the American
Diabetes Association 3A144
Diabetics are two to four times more likely to suffer strokes; in
addition, diabetes causes up to 24,000 cases of blindness and 77,000
heart disease deaths per year, and is the leading cause of kidney
failure
Diabetes expected to further increase as Americans get older, heavier,
and less active
New study shows that 58 of people with high blood sugar levels a sign
of risk of diabetes held off the disease by eating fewer fatty foods and
performing 30 minutes of exercise per day
This lifestyle program found to be more effective than a prescription
drug designed to reduce risk of Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 95
of all diabetes cases
As with any medical condition, have a trusted physician monitor your
diabetes and the methods used to control the disease
How to Get Help and More Information
See your health care provider immediately if you suspect that you may
have diabetes or
exhibit any of the symptoms
Call 1-800-Diabetes 342-2383 for general information about diabetes
Call 1-800-ADA-Order 232-6733 to order books or a catalog on the
subject
Go to wwwdiabetesorg for online information
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Source:hmc.psu.edu
