Silent Epidemic: 98 Million Americans at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
As November is Diabetes Awareness Month, did you know that diabetes is an illness that affects millions of people in America? In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there are about 38.4 million people in the country who have diabetes. The CDC also notes that 98 million American adults have prediabetes, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
“Diabetes is an illness not to be taken lightly as it has a major impact on your health,” said Dr. Wendell Osborne with Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center. “But with a proper diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle, you can significantly reduce your chances of acquiring this disease.”
What is diabetes?
Almost everything we eat is turned into glucose (sugar), which our body uses for energy. To help our body’s cells absorb glucose, an organ near the stomach – the pancreas – produces a hormone called insulin. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin, or can’t use its own insulin very well. As a result, a build-up of glucose occurs in your blood, eventually leading to many health problems and complications.
What are the symptoms?
If you or your child experience any or all the following symptoms, especially if you have a family history of diabetes, contact a physician to find out if you or your child have diabetes:
Excessive thirst
Extreme hunger
Frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme fatigue
Irritability
Blurry vision
Living with diabetes
Although diabetes is a lifelong condition, you can live a healthy life. Whether you were recently diagnosed, or have been living with it for some time, the following steps can help you keep diabetes under control:
Test your blood sugar to be sure it’s in the target range set by you and your doctor.
Keep your blood sugar (glucose) level under control.
Take blood sugar medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Stay or become more physically active. Try walking for 30 minutes at least 5 days a week.
If you're overweight, losing as little as 7 to 15 pounds can make a big difference in your health.
“It can be challenging living with diabetes,” Dr. Osborne said. “However, with the right treatment, support and lifestyle changes, diabetes can be managed, and you can lead a more active life.”
If you have diabetes, learn how to manage it. If you don’t have diabetes, find out if you’re at risk. Kaiser Permanente offers valuable information on diabetes, diabetes prevention and management.