November is American Diabetes Month. It is important to recognize the impact the disease has on millions of people, as well as to understand ways to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels that result from the body’s inability to produce or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. When the body can’t make enough insulin, it is usually taken by injection or with the use of an insulin pump.
There are 3 main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes (previously known as juvenile diabetes) is usually diagnosed in children and occurs when the body does not produce insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.
Gestational Diabetes occurs when women have high blood glucose levels during their pregnancy.
Symptoms for Diabetes include:
- Frequent urination
- Unusual thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Unusual weight loss
- Extreme fatigue and Irritability
- Frequent infections
- Blurred vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
- Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections
- Extreme fatigue and Irritability
It is important to speak with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Often times, people with Type 2 Diabetes have no symptoms. That’s why it is also important to know your family history and to know your risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has a free online tool you can use to assess your risk level.
Common risk factors include:
- People over age 45
- People with a family history of diabetes
- People who are overweight
- People who do not exercise regularly
- People with low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides, high blood pressure
- Certain racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and American Indians and Alaska Natives)
- Women who had gestational diabetes, or who have had a baby weighing 9 pounds or more at birth
There are many lifestyle choices that you can make to help control your risk levels and prevent Type 2 Diabetes. Making healthy food choices, exercising, and losing weight are important steps you can take to take control of your health.
If you are concerned about your risk of developing diabetes, Healthy Horizons has a Certified Diabetes Educator on staff that would be happy to meet with you. A diabetes risk assessment is included with the annual health screening offered by Healthy Horizons. As part of the diabetes risk assessment, Healthy Horizons offers a fasting blood glucose test that measures your blood sugar levels after fasting for 10-12 hours. For those currently managing diabetes, Healthy Horizons is also able to do a hemoglobin A1c test, which provides an average of your blood sugar control over the past 3 months.
If you are interested in a diabetes risk assessment or interested in meeting with the Certified Diabetes Educator to assist you in managing your diabetes, please don’t hesitate to contact Healthy Horizons at healthyhorizons@butler.edu or by phone at extension 8143.