Know the signs of diabetes to help combat the disease

Because November is American Diabetes Month, it’s important to focus on the need to prevent the number of diabetes and prediabetes cases from increasing. An estimated 37 million people are living with diabetes in the United States – that’s one in 10 people.

That number is the highest it’s ever been, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And people are developing diabetes at younger ages and higher rates than ever before.

Most cases are Type 2 diabetes, which means the body doesn’t use insulin properly – it affects how the body turns food into energy. Type 2 is largely preventable through regular physical activity, and a healthy and balanced diet.

The disease can affect every part of the body, including the brain, kidneys, nerves and heart, and can increase the risk of infection.

“The more you learn about diabetes and the complications it can add to your lifestyle, the more you can do to prevent it or lessen its harmful effects,” said family medicine physician Dr. Charles Steinmetz.

Diabetes can cause high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, vision impairment and other healthrelated complications, such as heart attack and stroke. Symptoms may be mild at first, but individuals should talk with a doctor if they experience frequent urination; extreme fatigue; blurry vision; feeling thirsty; feeling hungry, even when eating; cuts and bruises that are slow to heal; unexplainable weight loss; or tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands and feet.

A1C is a type of test that can identify prediabetes, which means blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetic. More than one in three (96 million Americans) are prediabetic. If it’s determined a person has prediabetes, it does not mean they’ll develop Type 2, especially if they make changes in their lifestyle, regarding exercise and nutrition.

Even small changes, like taking the stairs, or eating less sugar and carbohydrates, can help delay or prevent the disease. A physician can evaluate the risk level and complete bloodwork to diagnose diabetes.

“You should work with your primary care physician to develop a plan that works for you,” said Steinmetz. “It may help you avoid a lifetime of medications, insulin and blood sugar monitoring.”