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What is diabetes?
Diabetes (also known as diabetes mellitus) is a condition in
which the body either can't make or can't use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone normally produced by the pancreas. Insulin
is very important because it regulates the sugar level in the
blood, and it allows the body to use this sugar for energy. Without
enough insulin, the body's cells can't get the energy they need,
the sugar level in the blood gets too high, and many problems
can result. Diabetes is not curable, but, fortunately, it is
treatable.
There are two main types of diabetes. They are known as type
1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes (also known as juvenile-onset or
insulin-dependent diabetes) usually affects children and young
adults. People with type 1 diabetes can't make insulin, so they
need to take insulin shots to stay alive.
Type 2 diabetes (also known as adult-onset or non insulin-dependent
diabetes) is much more common than type 1 diabetes. In fact 90-95%
of diabetes is type 2. This type of diabetes is more common in
people who are over the age of 40 and overweight. It also tends
to run in families. People with type 2 diabetes make some insulin
but either it's not enough, or their bodies just aren't able
to use it properly. Many people with type 2 diabetes can control
their blood sugar with diet and oral medication, but some people
also need to use insulin shots.
There are many complications that come from diabetes and
poor blood sugar control. People with diabetes can develop
nerve problems,
kidney disorders, blindness, and severe infections. They also
have a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and certain
cancers, like pancreatic and uterine cancer. Each year almost
200,000 Americans die from diabetes and its complication.
Another Type of Diabetes:
Gestational Diabetes
About 3-5 % of women develop diabetes during pregnancy, called
gestational diabetes. Usually a temporary condition that goes
goes away after giving birth, gestational diabetes can
nevertheless cause problems for both mother and baby. Some
complications include certain types of birth defects, abnormally
large babies, and an increased risk of caesarian section. Even
if the diabetes disappears after the baby is born, women who
have had gestational diabetes also have a greater risk of
developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
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How common is diabetes?
Diabetes is very common in the United States. Almost 16 million
people have it, and the numbers are growing. Most people with
diabetes have type 2.
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Who is at risk of diabetes?
Anyone can develop diabetes, but most people that have diabetes
are adults over the age of 40, and the risk increases with age.
African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asians and Pacific
Islanders are at higher risk of developing diabetes compared
to whites. Also, people who are overweight, inactive, smoke or
have family members with diabetes are at a higher risk.
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How can
you lower your risk of diabetes?
There are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing diabetes:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get regular exercise
- Don't smoke
- Eat a healthy diet that focuses on
whole grains and "good" fats
(like olive and canola oil)
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Who should be screened?
Screening for diabetes is very important because millions of
people have this disease and don't know it. Everyone age 45 and
older should have their blood sugar checked by a doctor at least
once every 3 years. People who are at higher risk may need to
be tested earlier and more often. Screening is easy with simple
blood and urine tests that can have important benefits. If you
find out you have the disease, you can take steps to treat it
and prevent complications.
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What are the symptoms?
Some people develop symptoms like strong thirst, increased feelings
of hunger, frequent urination and wounds that don't heal. However,
many people with diabetes have no symptoms. That is why screening
is important.
For more information about diabetes, visit these web sites:
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