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Diabetes in the body’s inability to use sugar for the energy it needs.
Experts estimate that 16 million people in the United States have the disease and that another 10 million have some degree of glucose intolerance. Unfortunately about half the people that have diabetes do not know it yet. Majority of the people with diabetes do have some of the symptoms of Diabetes but often dismiss them of signs and symptoms of growing older. Some of these symptoms are:
- Frequent urination
- Extreme thirst
- Increased hunger
- Sudden weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Female- Frequent yeast infections
- Dry itchy skin
- Irritability
There are two types of Diabetes, Type I and Type II.
Of all the people with Diabetes only about 5-10% have Type I. This type is usually seen in the thin young population. With type I the pancreas produces very little, if any insulin. These people must self inject with insulin to survive. With Type II, the population is generally older (over 40 years old) and overweight/obese. These people can manage their Diabetes by oral medication, exercise and/or diet. With Type II, the problem is not lack of insulin, but an inability to use it properly.
Risk factor for developing Diabetes based on American Diabetic Association guidelines are as follows:
- Obesity (BMI > 27 kg/m2)
- Family history of Diabetes in first degree relatives
- Ethnic origin – Hispanic, African American, and Asian Americans
- Previous impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose intolerance
- HTN >130/80 mmhg
- HDL < 45 mg/dl (Men) & < 55 mg/dl (Women) and/or triglycerides level > 250 mg/dl
- History of Gestational Diabetes or delivery of babies over 9 lbs.
Diagnosis of Diabetes is never good news, but it is not a cause of panic. Diabetes can be managed and controlled with a team approach involving
your doctor, nurses, diet educator and yourself. However you must remember that you are the main team players.
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