Could this be you?
Diabetes is the most common disorder of the body’s endocrine system, and is characterized by consistently high glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. You can prevent or delay prediabetes from developing into type 2 diabetes with simple, proven lifestyle changes.
Approximately 88 million American adults—1 in 3—have prediabetes and more than 84% of people with prediabetes don’t know they have it.
Diabetes can lead to loss of limbs, vision, High blood pressure, neuropathy (nerve pain), heart disease, stroke and other health complications.
What Are The Signs Of Diabetes?
- The signs and symptoms of diabetes can be easily overlooked because they are often subtle or develop over time. It is important to visit your doctor for an accurate diagnosis if any of these symptoms are noted:
- Frequent urination. If you find that you are racing to the bathroom more often or need to get up in the middle of the night to go.
- Increased thirst or feeling as if you cannot quench your thirst, regardless of how much you drink.
- Weakness or fatigue that seems to last most of the day. Because your body is not using glucose properly, your cells are starved of energy, and you are left feeling run down.
- Weight loss without dieting. If your weight drops without a reasonable explanation, see your doctor.
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. This condition, known as neuropathy, occurs over time as high glucose levels begin to damage the nervous system.
- Delayed healing of bruises or cuts or frequent infections should be brought to the attention of your doctor.
- Changes in vision, especially blurred vision, can be an indication of diabetes.
- Dry and itchy skin should also be noted.
The signs and symptoms of diabetes arise because the body is not able to properly deliver glucose to the cells of the body, keeping glucose levels elevated in your blood. Your doctor will be able to confirm if your blood glucose levels are too high and if you are at risk of or have diabetes. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the easier the disease is to treat, so do not delay if these symptoms are present.
How you can help. Support Diabetes Education and Prevention
Diabetes takes a huge toll on individuals as well as society. According to the CDC, diabetes is the most expensive chronic condition in our nation. The estimated total economic cost of diagnosed diabetes in 2017 is $327 billion, a 26% increase from 2012.
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