Poor Diet and Inactivity Leads to Diabetes, January 2005 Diabetes cases have risen by 50% between 1990 and 2000 and it is now the sixth …
Lee County Health Department
309 South Galena Avenue, Suite 100
Dixon, Illinois 61021
815 284-3371
wwwlchdcom
Poor Diet and Inactivity Leads to Diabetes, January 2005
A study published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention CDC
found that poor diet and physical inactivity are on the verge of overtaking
smoking as the leading cause of death in the United States Obesity is the
number one disease resulting from poor eating and lack of exercise Over
60 of the American population is overweight or obese As a result the
number of people developing diabetes as well as those experiencing
complications from the disease is also rising quickly
Consider this:
According to the CDC one in three children born in 2000 will develop
diabetes during their lifetime
Diabetes cases have risen by 50 between 1990 and 2000 and it is now
the sixth leading cause of death in the United States
The cost of diabetes in the US in 2002 was 92 billion for direct
medical care and 40 billion for indirect care disability, work loss
and
premature mortality according to a study conducted by the
American Diabetes Association The average health care cost for a
person with diabetes in 2002 was 13,243, compared with 2,560 for a
person without diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body fails to properly convert sugar,
starches and other foods into energy There is a condition known as pre-
diabetes in which the blood glucose
levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diabetes Being
overweight is the primary risk factor for developing pre-diabetes and Type
2 diabetes Symptoms include increased thirst, increased hunger, fatigue,
increased urination, especially at night, blurred vision and sores that do
not heal
Sometimes people have symptoms but dont suspect diabetes They delay
scheduling a checkup because they do not feel sick Many people do not
find out they have the disease until they have diabetes complications, such
as blurred vision and heart problems It is important to find out early if
you have diabetes because treatment can prevent damage to the body from
diabetes
Lifestyle changes can make a difference Early intervention may prevent a
gradual increase in blood
sugar that eventually leads to Type 2 diabetes
Some steps you can take include:
Eat right Reduce caloric intake and cut fats
Exercise 30 minutes most days of the week
Lose at least 7 of your initial weight if youre overweight or
obese
Years ago, a mildly elevated blood sugar level was often ignored But
today, its seen as a warning sign that should lead to prompt action to
prevent diabetes Prevention is key
Diabetes screenings are recommended for people over 45 years with a BMI
greater than 25 The Lee County Health Department will be hosting a
Glucose/Cholesterol screening February 9 and March 9, 2005 from 8 am to
12 pm To make an appointment call toll free 1-866-590-8499 The cost of
the screen is 10 A 12 hour fast is required Results are immediate
followed by a consultation with a registered dietitian
Source:navy.mil
