November is American Diabetes Month!
Diabetes affects nearly 21 million Americans and many people don't know that they have the disease. It can affect anyone, even children, and can have very negative health effects. "Two-thirds of people with diabetes die from a heart attack or stroke," said Dr. Frank Vinicor, director of the diabetes program for the Centers for Disease Control.
Please check out our website in the next few days to learn more about diabetes and how you can take tests to determine if you are at risk.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which your body does not produce or properly use insulin. After you eat, your food is broken down by the body in to glucose (sugar) and is carried by the blood to cells throughout your body. Insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, moves the glucose from the blood into your cells where it is used for energy. If you don't have enough insulin or your body has trouble using insulin, the glucose stays in your blood where it builds up. Over time, high glucose levels can lead to heart attack, stroke, nerve damage, kidney or eye problems or even depression.
Type 1 diabetes is caused when your pancreas no longer makes insulin. Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common type. It is caused when your pancreas is not making enough insulin or when your body has trouble using the insulin you have.
Pre-Diabetes? Many people have blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not so high as to indicate diabetes. But most don't know it. This is called pre-diabetes. What does it mean if you have pre-diabetes? It means:
- you might get type 2 diabetes soon or sometime down the road.
- you are also more likely to get heart disease or have a stroke.
The good news is that you can take steps to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. Even if you have pre-diabetes, you can reduce your risk. A recent study showed that physical activity and losing weight helped most people delay or prevent diabetes.
How can I tell if I have diabetes?
Many people have no symptoms and can have diabetes for as long as 10 years before they are diagnosed. Unfortunately, diabetes can do damage before you know that you have it. Ask your doctor for a blood glucose test, if you are 45 years or older, especially if you are overweight.
But some people have symptoms before they are diagnosed. Typical symptoms of diabetes are:
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frequent urination |
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fatigue |
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extreme thirst |
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blurry vision |
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extreme hunger |
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frequent infections |
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unexplained weight loss |
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Healthy Eating is the First Step in Taking Care of Your Diabetes
You can help control your blood sugar levels by the food you choose and your physical activity. And remember, the food that is good for you is good for your family!
Here are some changes you can make that will make a difference in your blood sugar levels:
- Eat meals and snack at regular times every day.
- Eat about the same amount of food each day.
- If you want to lose weight, eat smaller portions.
- Try not to skip meals.
- Try to eat out less than three times a week. When you eat out, make low-fat choices.
- Try to accumulate 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Start slowly by taking the stairs and walking more or doing more yard work.
Diabetes is a serious disease. See your health care professional for more information.
Leon A. Gaumond Jr. Town Administrator |
