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Awareness

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

You are at greater risk for developing diabetes if you are overweight, if you smoke, if you're inactive, have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, if you have a family history of diabetes, if you've had gestational diabetes, if you are over 45, or if you are African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian American.

There are 3 main types of diabetes.

Type 1, is also known as juvenile diabetes, though adults can develop it as well.  In this form, the body is unable to make insulin because the immune system attacks the cells that make and release insulin.

Type 2, also known as adult onset diabetes, is the most common type.  In this form of diabetes, the body makes insulin, but the cells can't use it well (insulin resistance).

Gestational diabetes occurs in some pregnant women.  Women that have this form of diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later.

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination
• Frequent thirst
• Feeling tired
• Feeling hungry a lot
• Having blurry vision
• Feeling tingling or numbness in your feet
• Losing weight without trying
• Have very dry skin
• Have sores that heal slowly
• Have infections often

If you are at high risk, or are experiencing any of the common symptoms, please discuss them with your provider.  He or she may run some blood tests to determine if you have impaired glucose tolerance, pre-diabetes, or diabetes.

If you have diabetes:

• Know how to eat right
• Keep your weight at a healthy level
• Get enough physical activity
• Don't smoke
• Take the right medicine(s)

Complications include:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Kidney damage
• Nerve damage
• High blood pressure
• Eye problems
• Infections
• Gum disease
• Problems with pregnancy

You can reduce the risk of complications by:  Controlling your blood sugar levels, controlling your blood pressure, and managing your cholesterol.

France Avenue Family Physicians will give you the knowledge and the tools you need to be stronger than diabetes.  Together, you and your health care team can succeed.