Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of dependent diabetes mellitus) years of age or older were living with diabetes, which was an …
Diabetes in Alaska
Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death, but people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications Types of Diabetes Type 1 diabetes previously called juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus accounts for 5-10 of all diagnosed cases of diabetes Type 2 diabetes previously referred to as adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus accounts for 9095 of all diagnosed cases of diabetes Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents Gestational diabetes is a form of glucose intolerance that is diagnosed in some women during pregnancy Who Gets Diabetes In the United States, 208 million adults have diabetes and this number is predicted to reach 30 million by 2030 From 2003-2005 an annual average of 22,130 Alaskans 18 years of age or older were living with diabetes, which was an increase of 36 from the years 1999-2001 The percentage of Alaska Natives with diabetes has more than doubled since 1990 Diabetes is most
common among people who are: 45 or older, obese, related to someone with diabetes, or physically inactive About one-third of Americans with diabetes do not even know they have it This means that an additional 13,000 Alaskans may be at increased risk of diabetes complications because they are not getting the preventive care they need The frequency of diabetes diagnoses among youths is rising along with the increasing numbers of youths who are overweight and /or physically inactive Predictions are that one in three children born in the year 2000 will develop dia-
Sponsored by South Peninsula Hospital
betes as a consequence of obesity In Alaska, between onefourth and one-th 
ird of school children and adolescents are overweight or at risk of being overweight The Symptoms Some people may have no signs or symptoms of diabetes and others may have very mild symptoms Some people have symptoms, but do not suspect diabetes Symptoms include: increased thirst increased hunger fatigue increased urination, especially at night weight loss blurred vision sores that do not heal Many people do not find out they have the disease until they have diabetes complications, such as blurry vision or
heart trouble If you find out early that you have diabetes, then you can get treatment to prevent damage to the body The Added Risk Having diabetes substantially increases the risk of heart disease and stroke More than half of the deaths of Alaskans with diabetes were from heart attack or stroke Alaskans with diabetes are much more likely to have other risk factors for heart disease than those without: Many more have high blood pressure or high cholesterol and very high proportions are obese and/or physically inactive The Power of Prevention Diabetes and complications of diabetes can be prevented or delayed by keeping blood glucose levels within the normal rage Alaskans can reduce their own diabetes-related risks by: Being screened for diabetes and its risk factors Maintaining a healthy weight Being physically active - physical activity is a key factor in leading a healthy lifestyle and reducing chronic illnesses People of all ages who are inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming active at a moderateintensity level on a regular basis Avoiding tobacco use Following health care recommendations for exams, tests, and medications Sources: Centers for Disease
Control, and State of Alaska Diabetes Prevention and Control Program
Source:mclarenhealthplan.org
