WHAT IS DIABETES When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t Type 1 or juvenile diabetes usually starts early in life. …
WHAT IS DIABETES
Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose or sugar for our bodies to
use for energy The pancreas, an organ near the stomach, makes a hormone
called insulin to help glucose get into our bodies cells When you have
diabetes, your body either doesnt make enough insulin or cant use its own
insulin as well as it should, or both This causes sugars to build up too
high in your blood
This disease has two main forms:
Type 1 or juvenile diabetes usually starts early in life People with
Type I diabetes must take insulin each day to regulate levels of blood
glucose sugar
Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes It is often linked with
obesity and physical inactivity It most often develops in middle-
aged or older adults
WHO IS AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING DIABETES?
Diabetes is increasing This is because more people are obese, dont get
enough physical activity and are getting older However, many younger
people are developing diabetes This is probably because obesity and lack
of physical activity are increasing problems for this age group also
People in several ethnic groups seem to be
more likely to develop Type 2
diabetes:
Hispanics
African Americans
Native Americans
Asians especially South Asians
CONTROLLING RISK
Diabetes is a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease That means
it can be as serious as smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure,
physical inactivity or obesity If you have diabetes, it is very important
to have regular check-ups Work closely with your doctor to manage your
diabetes and reduce any other risk factors:
Control your weight and cholesterol with a low-saturated-fat, low
cholesterol diet
Exercise for at least 30 minutes on most or all days of the week
If you drink alcohol, dont have more than one drink per day for women
or two drinks per day for men
Lower your blood pressure, if it is too high
Dont smoke and avoid other peoples tobacco smoke
If your doctor has ordered medication to help control your blood
pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar, take it exactly as directed by
your doctor If you have questions about your medication, ask your
doctor or your pharmacist
07/19/200
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Source:dhss.mo.gov
