Millions of people in the U.S. have diabetes. These free publications can help manage the disease.
Diabetes is a disease that affects over 25 million people in the United States. Nearly 19 million have been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, while 7 million more are living undiagnosed.
Type 1 diabetes, sometimes more commonly known as juvenile onset diabetes, is not preventable. It is typically treated with insulin shots taken daily.
Type 2 diabetes, often called adult onset diabetes, is preventable and can be treated by pills or other medicines injected into the body.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) symptoms of diabetes include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme hunger
- Sudden vision changes
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Feeling very tired much of the time
- Very dry skin
- Sores that are slow to heal
- More infections than usual.
If you think you have diabetes you should talk to your doctor. You should also talk with your doctor before you start or switch any diabetes medicines.
Those at risk for diabetes should stay active and eat healthy, two of the biggest lifestyle changes that can help prevent diabetes, according to the CDC. The CDC also recommends anyone 45 years or older and at risk to get tested for diabetes.
Managing diabetes can be stressful, but can also be controllable if you know the facts about diabetes and the treatment options.
Learn more about diabetes and download or order free publications on managing the disease.
November is National Diabetes Month, a time to remember the victims of this disease, support those it affects, and to pledge to fight it.
In the United States, diabetes affects nearly 26 million people—more than eight percent of the population—and many more are at risk. However, diabetes can be managed or prevented.
Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy.
With Type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in your blood.
Over the years, high blood glucose damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 percent of diabetes cases, and it is growing. You can reduce your chance of developing Type 2 diabetes by adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and consulting a medical professional about your individual needs and risk factors.
Learn more about preventing and living with diabetes and tools and medicines to help manage blood sugar.
The National Institute of Health has determined that there are five factors that when adopted all together can help reduce the chance of Type-2 Diabetes for men and women.
The Five Lifestyle Factors are
To learn your optimal body weight and to find out more about these five factors, visit the NIH’s Diabetes Information Center Clearinghouse.
