Diabetes

CDC researchers have found a 49 percent increase from 1990 to 2000 in the rates among adults of diagnosed diabetes, including gestational diabetes. It is estimated that there are a 17 million Americans who have diabetes, and 90-95% of diabetics have type 2 diabetes.

The CDC conducted the first major clinical trial of Americans at high risk for type 2 diabetes and found that lifestyle changes in diet and exercise and losing a little weight can prevent or delay the disease. Early intervention and proper management of diabetes are both crucial in preventing complications caused by the disease.

Diabetes and Blood Glucose Control

Glucose comes from the food you eat and is also made in your liver and muscles. Your blood carries the glucose to all the cells in your body. Insulin is a chemical (a hormone) made in a part of the body called the pancreas. The pancreas releases insulin into the blood. Insulin helps the glucose from food get into your cells. If your body doesn't make enough insulin or if the insulin doesn't work the way it should, glucose can't get into your cells. It stays in your blood instead. Your blood glucose level then gets too high, causing you to have diabetes.

What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

• Being very thirsty
• Urinating often
• Feeling very hungry or tired
• Losing weight without trying
• Having sores that heal slowly
• Having dry, itchy skin
• Losing the feeling in your feet or having tingling in your feet
• Having blurry eyesight

Diabetes Type 2 Prevention

• Control obesity
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy diet

Diabetes Management

• Check your blood sugar and give insulin per your doctor's instructions
• Keep your blood sugar in a healthy range
• Follow a diabetic diet
• Control obesity
• Be careful not to injure skin
• Keep skin warm and dry
• Be physically active