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Yes, you could have diabetes. Current statistics indicate 15.7 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. Out of that figure, 10.3 million people have been diagnosed as having it and 5.4 million are walking around with diabetes and don't know they have it.
Some people become aware of their condition through complications such as blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, cataracts, glaucoma, nerve disease or amputation. All of the above are horrendous ways to find out you have the disease known as diabetes mellitus.
Individuals with diabetes have a much higher chance of developing circulatory problems involving the heart and arteries as well as skin problems such as skin ulcers and gangrene. Blood vessel damage in the kidneys can result in kidney failure.
There are two types of diabetes. Juvenile diabetes (Type 1) - a misleading title since it actually refers to diabetes before the age forty; and Diabetes Type 2. Juvenile diabetes onsets as a result of insulin shortage. Type 2 is the result of your body's inability to make enough insulin or process it effectively. Your body needs insulin to convert sugars, starches and other foods so your energy level is enough to sustain your daily life. Without enough insulin, blood becomes more acidic and fats can't be broken down properly for energy use. Blood always has some sugar. Having diabetes is the result of having too much sugar.
Who is at risk? Take a look at this list and see if you are.
1 - Is your blood pressure at or above 140 over 90?
2 - Do you have low LDL cholesterol levels or high tri-glyceride levels?
3 - Is there a family history of diabetes?
4 - For women: Did you have diabetes during a pregnancy or birth a baby over nine pounds?
5 - Fact: Type 2 diabetes is found to be most common among African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans. It is found in a lesser degree among Asians and Caucasians.
6 - Lifestyle: Are you relatively inactive or overweight?
7 - Prescription drug use fact: Some steroids and diuretics (water pills) may contribute to the presence of type 2 diabetes.
Looking at the above list, there are things we can do to help with prevention, such as regular daily exercise and keeping our body weight in control. A low fat diet high in fiber is a must. Make sure to eat lots of fresh veggies and fruits as well as whole grains. Exercise can be as simple as taking a daily walk or dancing to the radio.
What are the signs? You may experience some or all of the indicators of diabetes. Your doctor will be able to tell you through thorough examination and testing if you actually have diabetes. Here are some signs:
1- urinating frequently
2- unexplained weight loss
3- excessive appetite and thirst
4- irritability
5- blurred vision
6- slow healing (may be prone to gum and mouth problems)
7- overall fatigue (or occasional weakness)
8- nausea and/or vomiting
9- impotence in men; vaginal infections in women. Yeast infections may be present in men and women.
10- abdominal pain
11- deep rapid breathing
If you're found to have diabetes, your doctor may prescribe pills or injections. You will also need to test your blood sugar level daily, maybe even several times a day, with the use of a home testing kit.
As yet there is no cure but research goes on. Your best means of prevention is to take good care of yourself and be sure to have regular physical exams.
As a closing statistic: Every day 2,200 people are diagnosed with diabetes. 798,000 will be diagnosed with diabetes this year. Don't be one of them.
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