Diabetes Health
Content by: NCES, Inc.
Diabetes has become an epidemic, affecting about twenty-one million Americans according to the American Diabetes Association. Yet more than 30% of that twenty-one Million are undiagnosed and don’t realize they have it. According to research, there is an additional 40 to 60 million Americans with prediabetes. People with prediabetes are more likely to develop type-2 diabetes later in life unless they change their eating and exercise behaviors.
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What is PreDiabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition in which the blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. To be diagnosed as prediabetic a fasting blood sugar reading of between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL is needed.
What is Type 2 Diabetes
Your body changes some of the food you eat to sugar that is carried in your blood. Insulin helps get the sugar from your blood into the cells so you can use if for energy. With type 2 diabetes, the body loses the ability to efficiently use insulin produced by the pancreas and causes your blood sugar to remain too high. For a proper diagnosis of type 2 diabetes a person needs two separate fasting glucose readings of 126 mg/dL or higher. Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and can be prevented or reversed through proper diet, weight management and exercise. Those at risk for type 2 diabetes include: people over the age of 45, being overweight or obese, a diagnosis of prediabetes, having a low HDL (good cholesterol) reading, and having a family history of diabetes.
How to Manage Your Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
As mentioned before, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes can be managed with a proper diet and exercise plan. With diabetes, it is important to keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible throughout the day. By following a proper meal plan and exercise plan, you will prevent the highs and lows in your blood sugar. Those highs and lows can be dangerous and can lead to life threatening effects on health such as, retinopathy including blindness, circulatory problems, kidney disease, heart disease, neuropathy and in some cases amputation.
Early Detection is Key
If you think you might have diabetes or prediabetes, see your doctor. Early recognition of this disease is important. The longer the body is exposed to high or uncontrolled blood sugar levels, the greater the health problems can be. It’s recommended to have a fasting blood glucose test every three years if you are over the age of 45.
Snack on colorful fruits and veggies. People do not get enough of these low-calories, high-nutrition foods.
If you feel you have any of these symptoms be sure to see a doctor for a fasting glucose test.
Quick Tips!
Possible signs & symptoms of Diabetes or Prediabetes:
1. Thirsty.
2. Frequent Urination.
3. Blurred Vision.
4. Tired without doing much activity.
5. Unexplained Weight Loss.
6. Irritability.
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