Did you know the number of people with diabetes has nearly quadrupled since 1980? Hi, this is Jody Jo. The rise of diabetes has increased in the number of people who are overweight, including an increase in obesity and widespread lack of exercise.
There are several different types of diabetes, but the most common forms are Type 1 and Types 2 diabetes. Both impact glucose levels and if left untreated, can cause many complications. A large proportion of diabetes and its complications can be prevented by a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use.
Knowing the warning signs for diabetes could help save a life. If you or your loved one is experiencing extreme thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness and lack of energy, sudden vision changes, increased appetite, sudden weight loss, heavy / labored breathing, insensibility or unconsciousness, call your doctor as soon as possible.
To learn more about diabetes prevention and treatment, go to KaweahDelta.org.
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DIABETES AWARENESS
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases where the body’s pancreas does not produce enough insulin or does not properly respond to insulin produced, resulting in high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. There are several different types of diabetes, but the most common forms are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Both impact glucose levels, and if left untreated, can cause many complications.
What causes diabetes?
Researchers are still trying to get a clear picture of what causes diabetes—they’ve found that genes don’t tell the whole story, and that environmental factors also play a role.
There is also a misconception that the cause of diabetes is hereditary, and primarily occurs in families where there is someone else with diabetes, but that is not always the case.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
Knowing the warning signs for diabetes could help save a life! Diabetes can often go undiagnosed in its early stages because the symptoms can be mistaken for more common illnesses, like the flu. Take notice if you or your loved one experiences the following:
• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Drowsiness and lethargy
• Sugar in urine
• Sudden vision changes
• Increased appetite
• Sudden weight loss
• Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath
• Heavy, labored breathing
• Stupor or unconsciousness
Call your doctor if one or more of these symptoms occurs in you or your loved one. It is extremely important to receive medical attention. People with diabetes can live long and healthy lives when their diabetes is detected and well-managed.
Diabetes Fast Facts:
• The number of people with diabetes has nearly quadrupled since 1980. The causes are complex, but the rise is due in part to increases in the number of people who are overweight, including an increase in obesity, and in a widespread lack of physical activity.
• About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
• In 2012 diabetes was the direct cause of 1.5 million deaths globally. A large proportion of diabetes and its complications can be prevented by a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use.
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