Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your body does not. make or use insulin properly. diabetes can cause serious health problems such as heart …
Could You Have Diabetes?
What is diabetes and who gets it?
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your body does not make or use insulin properly Insulin is a hormone that helps your blood sugar get to cells for energy If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, loss of limbs, and diseases of the nervous system People with diabetes are twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke According to the American Diabetes Association, 24 million people in the United States have diabetes, but 25 of them dont even know they have it Both children and adults of all ages and races can have diabetes
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If you think you might have diabetes, dont wait to take action Call your doctor and schedule a check-up that includes a simple test for diabetes By detecting diabetes in its early stages and getting proper treatment you can lower your risk of complications
How can I control diabetes?
There is no cure for diabetes However, you can control it by working closely with your health care team, which may include your doctor, your eye doctor, a diabetes educator and a nutritionist Together, you and your doctor can make
a treatment plan to control your blood sugar levels By following a proper plan of diet, exercise, and medication, you can control diabetes and prevent serious health problems in the future If you control diabetes, you can lead a full, active life Studies show that maintaining lower blood sugar levels helps even those who have had poor control in the past
Risk Factors
You are at greater risk for diabetes if you are: age 40 or older overweight related to 
someone who has diabetes African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander
Can diabetes be prevented?
The Diabetes Prevention Program, a study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, found that people with prediabetes higher than normal blood sugar levels can prevent or delay the onset of the disease by a 5 to 7 percent weight loss Thats only 10 to 15 pounds for a 200-pound person And its easier than you think You just need to build up to 30 minutes of physical activity a day, five days a week and eat a reduced fat and lower calorie diet Its worth the effort to prevent diabetes You will be able to lead a healthier, longer life and enjoy much more time with your friends and family
How can I
tell if I might have diabetes?
Diabetes can affect different functions of the body There are many symptoms Here are some common warning signs: constant thirst frequent urination constant hunger fatigue weight loss blurred vision
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Resources
Visit our online diabetes center at wwwcarefirstcom/diabetes American Diabetes Association 800-DIABETES wwwdiabetesorg en Espanol wwwdiabetesorg/espanol
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases wwwniddknihgov
Joslin Diabetes Center 888-JOSLIN-8 wwwjoslinorg
American Association of Diabetes Educators 800-338-3633 wwwaadenetorg
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