Diabetes:
What Is There To Know?

14 Million Americans have diabetes: Are you one of them?

Most people would not regard diabetes as a deadly desease. But the sad fact is that diabetes is the fourth-leading cause of death by disease in America. Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness in people between the ages of 25 and 74. Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease. Diabetics are two to six times more likely to suffer from heart disease than non-diabetics.

Diabetes is the body's inability to use energy producing glucose. Glucose is the natural sugar we manufacture from food and drink. Diabetes is divided into two types. Type I diabetics are insulin dependent. Type II diabetics normally control the disease through diet and exercise.

If treated, diabetic patients can live normal lives at home and on the job. Unfortunately, fewer than half of the people who are diabetic have seen a doctor regarding the disease.

Some of the Warning Signals of Diabetes:

• Extreme thirst or hunger.
• Blurred vision.
• Excessive need to urinate.
• Numbness or tingling in the feet and hands.
• Excessive weight loss.
• Excessive muscle weakness.
• Recurring infection.
• Slow healing cuts & bruises.

Who May Be at Risk

While everbody is a potential diabetes victim, certain groups are at higher risk. They include:

• People with a family history of diabetes.
• People who are overweight.
• African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans.
• People with a history of glucose levels higher than normal, but below the amount that would indicate diabetes.
• Women who have had gestational diabetes, but aren't currently pregnant. Gestational diabetes can lead to type II diabetes.
• People with high blood pressure or an excess of fatty substance in the blood.

What To Do

If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above or any questions regarding diabetes you should contact your physician immediately.