Diabetes - Who is at Risk?

It is estimated that 16 million Americans have diabetes, but as many as half of them do not know it. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to blindness, stroke, kidney failure, heart attack and amputations. However, when detected early and treated correctly, diabetes can be controlled.

So why do so many have this disease and not know it? The symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked or explained away. Often, diabetes will progress and manifest itself in other life threatening illnesses such as heart disease, neuropathy or kidney failure. Early diagnosis can save your life. With proper treatment diabetes can be controlled and complications avoided or delayed. Everyone should be aware of this disease and its symptoms, as it is more common than was ever anticipated.

The following questions may help determine whether you are at higher risk for diabetes mellitus:

Do you have a family history of diabetes?
Are you overweight?
Are you inactive? Are you over age 45?
Are you a woman who has delivered a baby weighing more than 9 pounds?
Are you African American, Hispanic, Native American or Asian American?

There are several warning signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus. These include:

Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Blurry vision
Fatigue or weakness
Tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
Frequent skin, gum, bladder or vaginal infections

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

Newly Diagnosed Patients: You're probably feeling anxious, a little confused about the future, and scared. You probably have a family member or know someone who has diabetes and know how serious diabetes complications can be.

Diabetes can be serious, sometimes even life-threatening -- but only if blood sugar (called glucose) rises or falls considerably above or below the normal range. Diabetics who keep their blood glucose close to normal by practicing tight control can live long, healthy lives.

All it takes is some basic information and some lifestyle adjustments, which might seem challenging and time consuming at first, but quickly become a part of your everyday routine.

While daily blood glucose testing tells you what your blood sugar level is at the time you test, HbA1c testing tells you your "average" blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. These tests are very important in protecting your long-term health. Maintaining good HbA1c levels will help reduce your risk of diabetes complications such as blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, stroke, and heart failure.

Types of Diabetes
Diabetes Treatment
Understanding the Kidney and Kidney Disorders
The Facts Surrounding Diabetes
Common Questions On Diabetes
Defining Diabetes
Diabetes - The Myths About Sugar
Glossary of Terms commonly used with Diabetes

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