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It is estimated that 1 in 10 Americans has Diabetes and many people have not been diagnosed yet.  More than 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes symptoms-elevated blood sugar levels, but haven’t crossed the line to becoming diabetic.  The high blood sugar levels are a red flag to make changes in your life.

 

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not product enough insulin or when you body cannot affectively use the insulin it produces.  When sugar levels are too high for extended periods of time, it can lead to serious health problems-heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

 

There are two main types of diabetes- type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 occurs when the body doesn’t produce any insulin.  This type is typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.  

Type 2 is when the body does not produce enough insulin or when your body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.  Type 2 is usually diagnosed in adulthood.

Symptoms of diabetes-

·       Frequent urination

·       Excessive thirst

·       Fatigue

·       Weight loss

·       Abdominal pain

·       Blurred vision

 

Seek medical care if you experience some of these symptoms.

 

Causes of Diabetes- is unknown, but is attributed to a combination of genetics, diet, exercise or lack of are all factors in becoming diabetic.

 

Complications of diabetes can lead to-

·       Heart disease

·       Nerve and eye damage

·       Stroke

·       Kidney disease

Diabetes can also increase the chances of infections in your body and make it more difficult for wounds to heal.  

 

Management of living with diabetes-

·       Lifestyle changes in diet and exercise can help control blood sugar levels

·       Monitoring your levels is also a key component in taking care of yourself.

·       Medications may be required to help you control your blood sugar levels

 

Be aware of these common symptoms-

·       Thirsty

·       Weight fluctuation

·       Urinating more than normal

·       Abdominal pain

·       Blurry vision

·       Dry mouth

·       Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

 

Finally, no one knows your body like you.  Please don’t fool yourself, even at a young age, listen to your body.

Many people function well and live normal lives with type 1 or 2 diabetes.  

Mary Tyler Moore lived into her 80’s as a type 1 diabetic, Nick Jonas is a type one diabetic and a successful quarterback in the NFL(Jay Cutler) was diagnosed at 24 years old, while already in the NFL with type 1 diabetes and had a long successful career.  Jay said, “ this disease is something you go to bed with every night and get up with every morning.  You don’t get to take a day off of taking care of yourself”.

Other type 2 diabetics you may have heard of- Tom Hanks, Brett Michaels, Larry King and Paula Dean among many others.