The More You Know

DIABETES

"'Managing your diabetes' might sound like a real drag. So why don't we call it 'saving your life'. Learn more about the risk factors and take action against diabetes." - Christopher Meloni, Law & Order: SVU

The Importance of Knowing Your Risk

Diabetes is the name given to disorders in which the body has trouble regulating its blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels. Good diet and physical activity levels can help reduce your risk; however, many people are not even aware that they have diabetes until they develop one of its complications.


There are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, or 7.8% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 5.7 million people (or nearly one quarter) are unaware that they have the disease. An additional 57 million Americans have pre-diabetes, putting them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

The warning signs of type 1 diabetes include extreme thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness or lethargy, sudden vision changes, increased appetite, sudden weight loss, stupor and unconsciousness. Type 1 diabetes is generally diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults (previously known as juvenile diabetes.) It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.

If you have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, do not hesitate to talk to your physician about insulin information, choosing blood glucose meters, various diagnostic tests including the A1c test and managing and checking your blood glucose.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It is possible to delay or even prevent type 2 diabetes from ever developing.

While diabetes occurs in people of all ages and races, some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.

If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, talk to your physician about how you can control your diabetes and live a healthy life.

Prevention Made Possible

Making changes in your diet to eat healthier foods and be more active can have a big effect on your health. By planning meals in advance, managing portion sizes and making healthy foods a part of your lifestyle, you can work toward preventing diabetes or managing your diabetes more easily.

To manage your nutrition and prevent the onset of diabetes-related complications, try out the American Diabetes Association's MyFoodAdvisor ™, where you can learn about meal planning and more.

To Know More...

American Diabetes Association
www.stopdiabetes.com