Diabetes is a medical condition that develops when the body does not produce insulin or use insulin properly.
Secreted by the pancreas, insulin is a hormone that regulates sugar levels in the blood.
Approximately 24 million people in the United States have high blood sugar.
According to the American Diabetes Association, about 6 million people, or one out of every four are not aware that they have it.
One reason this disease can go undetected is that many of the symptoms seem relatively minor.
Knowing the symptoms can lead to early detection and treatment.
Anyone experiencing excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual weight loss, irritability, extreme hunger, blurred vision or increased levels of fatigue should seek medical attention.
Even one of these symptoms can be a sign to see your doctor.
Measuring your risk factors is another way to determine if you should be evaluated.
The most common risk factors include being over 45 years old, having a family history of Diabetes, having a personal history of Diabetes during pregnancy, living a sedentary lifestyle, and having a high body mass index.
Ethnic background can also make you higher risk.
The disease develops more frequently in Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Latinos, Asian Americans and African Americans.
Preventing the development of high blood glucose levels can be as simple as making some minor lifestyle changes.
The most effective tools for preventing diabetes are diet and exercise.
Include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, lean meats and non-fat dairy foods in your diet.
Regular physical activity including aerobics, strength training and flexibility exercises will help to improve your health and contribute to managing blood glucose levels as well.
By making simple changes in your daily life you can make great strides in lowering your risk for health issues and improve your overall quality of life.
Secreted by the pancreas, insulin is a hormone that regulates sugar levels in the blood.
Approximately 24 million people in the United States have high blood sugar.
According to the American Diabetes Association, about 6 million people, or one out of every four are not aware that they have it.
One reason this disease can go undetected is that many of the symptoms seem relatively minor.
Knowing the symptoms can lead to early detection and treatment.
Anyone experiencing excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual weight loss, irritability, extreme hunger, blurred vision or increased levels of fatigue should seek medical attention.
Even one of these symptoms can be a sign to see your doctor.
Measuring your risk factors is another way to determine if you should be evaluated.
The most common risk factors include being over 45 years old, having a family history of Diabetes, having a personal history of Diabetes during pregnancy, living a sedentary lifestyle, and having a high body mass index.
Ethnic background can also make you higher risk.
The disease develops more frequently in Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Latinos, Asian Americans and African Americans.
Preventing the development of high blood glucose levels can be as simple as making some minor lifestyle changes.
The most effective tools for preventing diabetes are diet and exercise.
Include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, lean meats and non-fat dairy foods in your diet.
Regular physical activity including aerobics, strength training and flexibility exercises will help to improve your health and contribute to managing blood glucose levels as well.
By making simple changes in your daily life you can make great strides in lowering your risk for health issues and improve your overall quality of life.
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