Health and Fitness Information Center

Diabetes - Who is at Risk?

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So why do so many have this disease and not know it? The symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked or explained away. Often, diabetes will progress and manifest itself in other life threatening illnesses such as heart disease, neuropathy or kidney failure.

Early diagnosis can save your life. With proper treatment diabetes can be controlled and complications avoided or delayed. Everyone should be aware of this disease and its symptoms, as it is more common than was ever anticipated.

The following questions may help determine whether you are at higher risk for diabetes mellitus:

• Do you have a family history of diabetes?
• Are you overweight?
• Are you inactive? Are you over age 45?
• Are you a woman who has delivered a baby weighing more than 9 pounds?
• Are you African American, Hispanic, Native American or Asian American?

Warning signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus include:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blurry Vision
• Fatigue or weakness
• Tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
• Frequent skin, gum, bladder or vaginal infections

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

Newly Diagnosed Patients
You're probably feeling anxious, a little confused about the future, and scared. You probably have a family member or know someone who has diabetes and know how serious diabetes complications can be.

Diabetes can be serious, sometimes even life-threatening -- but only if blood sugar (called glucose) rises or falls considerably above or below the normal range. Diabetics who keep their blood glucose close to normal by practicing tight control can live long, healthy lives.

All it takes is some basic information and some lifestyle adjustments, which might seem challenging and time consuming at first, but quickly become a part of your everyday routine.