Facts About Diabetes

Facts About Diabetes

About 25.6 million people age 20 or older -- more than 1 in every 9 -- have type 2 diabetes. Another 79 million people are considered prediabetic.

Type 2 diabetes is serious.

In 2007, diabetes contributed to 231,404 deaths.

Adults who have diabetes are two to four times more likely to die of heart disease compared to those without diabetes, and 67% have high blood pressure.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure and blindness in adults.

Nerve problems -- such as impaired sensation in the feet or carpal tunnel syndrome -- affect 60% to 70% of people with diabetes.

More than 60% of lower-limb amputations that are not a result of trauma are performed on people with diabetes.

The average medical expenses for someone with diabetes are 2.3 times more than for someone without.

  

Types of Diabetes

Although both type 1 and type 2 diabetes affect the way the body controls the level of blood glucose, the two conditions are very different.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the pancreas. Eventually, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, requiring lifelong insulin injections or an insulin pump (and close monitoring of blood sugar levels). Previously known as juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is usually detected in childhood, but it can also be diagnosed in adults. Type 1 diabetes has a genetic component, although it is possible for environmental factors, such as exposure to a virus, to trigger the destructive immune process.

In type 2 diabetes, the body may produce insulin, but the body's cells don't respond to insulin normally and glucose starts to build up in the bloodstream instead of being used by the cells. Without glucose in the cells, the body feels fatigued and dehydration can occur as sugars accumulate. Although sometimes called adult-onset diabetes, that's not always the case. With the growing rate of childhood obesity, an increasing number of kids are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Even though type 2 diabetes used to be called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, insulin is necessary for some people who have type 2 diabetes. Typically, when first diagnosed, health care providers try to control blood sugar through diet, increasing physical activity, and weight management. For some people, that does the trick. For others, though, even with careful attention to their lifestyle, treatment with medication is needed. Some medications for type 2 diabetes are taken by injection, including insulin. Others are pills that can be taken by mouth. Health care providers work with people to find a regimen that works to control the individual's glucose level.

Eating sugar will not cause type 2 diabetes. However, consuming too many calories and becoming overweight contribute to your body becoming insulin resistant and allowing blood glucose levels to increase. Sugary treats such as cookies, cake, pie, or ice cream can be part of a healthy diet when they are eaten only occasionally and in small portions and taken into account when considering total daily calories.

Understand The Risk :

t can be frightening to confront the possibility of a serious and life-long disease. But finding out you have prediabetes or even diabetes means you can start tackling lifestyle changes, managing your condition, and lowering your risk of complications. Even people at a higher risk can take steps to prevent the development of diabetes.

You should make an appointment today to see your health care provider and discuss the results from this assessment. Also, you should mention any symptoms you may be having, including:

Having to urinate often

Extreme thirst

Extreme hunger

Weight loss

Extreme tiredness and irritability

Frequent infections

Blurred vision

Bruises or cuts that heal slowly

Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet

Skin, gum, or bladder infections that keep coming back

Remember, many people with diabetes don't have any symptoms, so it's important for you to talk with your health care provider even if you haven't noticed anything unusual. And because you are at a higher risk for diabetes, it's important to ask if you should be tested. The only way to know if you have diabetes or to determine the level of your risk is to be screened.

In the meantime, it's not too late for you to take control of your health by practicing the following healthy habits. If you don't have diabetes, you can lower your risk. And if you are diagnosed with diabetes, you will already be on your way to managing it effectively.

Eat a balanced diet of controlled calories that is high in fiber and low in saturated and trans fats.

Get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce stress.

Have regular checkups and work closely with your health care provider to keep your blood pressure under control and your cholesterol levels within the recommended target range

Avoid tobacco smoke and limit alcohol consumption.

Making a healthy lifestyle a priority can have benefits now and help prevent problems for you in the future. Get more information in the "Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle" section.

Protecting Your Heart

Your risk for diabetes can also mean that you are at greater risk for heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, any steps you take to reduce your risk for diabetes are also beneficial for your heart.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle:

Eat Well

One way you can avoid health problems is by eating a balanced diet that is high in fiber and low in saturated and trans fats, as well as low in salt. These simple steps can help you nourish your body and maintain a healthy weight, too.

Be a savvy shopper. Buy fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals. Avoid packaged or prepared foods, which tend to be high in fat and sodium.

Plan ahead for healthy between-meal snacks. Choose low-calorie, filling foods such as an apple, a handful of almonds, or a nonfat yogurt. When making sweet snacks or desserts, you can use a sugar substitute rather than sugar in the recipe.

Watch portion sizes. A simple way to avoid eating too much is to skip the second helpings. Using smaller plates and bowls can also help keep portions smaller. Most restaurant portions are oversized, but you can ask to have half of your meal wrapped up so you can take it home.

Beware of beverages. Many beverages are a hidden source of calories and sugars. Regular soda is full of calories that provide little or no health benefits, so avoid it. Fruit juice, while nutritious, contains a lot of sugar, so try mixing it with sparkling water for a flavorful yet lower-calorie drink. And if you drink alcohol, a limit of no more than two drinks a day is recommended.

Be Active

Regular physical activity pays dividends: a sunnier outlook on life, less stress, more energy, better sleep, decreased stiffness and pain, increased strength and flexibility, healthier heart and lungs, and a boost in metabolism that can help with losing extra pounds and maintaining a healthy weight. Regular exercise and improved fitness can also lower your risk for heart attack and stroke, certain types of cancer, and osteoporosis (bone loss).

Many people struggle to fit in exercise. But you don't have to become a gym rat or fitness buff to get enough exercise. Just being active throughout the day will benefit your health. For example:

Walk or bike to work or to do errands, instead of driving.

Take a 20-minute walk before lunch.

Use the stairs instead of the elevator.

Park a few blocks away from your destination and walk the rest of the way.

Adults should get a total of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every week. That may seem like a lot, but it's best to spread that exercise out, say 30 minutes a day for five days. You can even break your activity up into 10-minute sessions throughout the day -- and still gain the same health benefits!

An exercise program should consist of aerobic or "cardio" activities that increase your heart and breathing rates (such as walking, cycling, dancing, swimming, pushing a lawn mower, playing doubles tennis), plus strength-building activities (using weights or stretchy bands) to help improve and maintain muscle tone at least twice a week.

Remember, exercise has to be enjoyable if you are going to stick with it, so you should think about activities you enjoy and pursue them. Pairing up with a partner can keep you motivated on days you don't feel like getting off the couch. Plus, chatting with a companion will help the time fly by.

If you have not been physically active regularly, you should talk with your health care provider about any restrictions or recommendations to be aware of before beginning any exercise programs. Increasing the time and intensity of activity gradually will help avoid an injury that sets you back.

source link: www.webmd.com