Could It Be Diabetes? If So, What Now?
The estimates that 38.4 million Americans live with diabetes. Another 97.6 million have prediabetes, a condition that turns into diabetes if not treated properly. Managing either takes effort, which starts with knowledge.听
鈥淥ne in five people are not aware that they have diabetes,鈥 says Anyanate Gwendolyne Jack, M.D., assistant attending physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and assistant professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. 鈥And more than 8 in 10 people with prediabetes are not aware that they have it.鈥听
This November, take advantage of American Diabetes Month to fill up on diabetes data.听
Weighing the Risk Factors听
Though anyone can get diabetes, the following increase your risk:听听
- Age. While Type 1 typically begins in childhood or adolescence, Type 2 is more common after age 45.听
- Ethnicity. White people are more likely to develop Type 1 diabetes, while African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, and Alaska Native people are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.听听
- Family history. If a parent or sibling has diabetes, you鈥檙e at higher risk.听
- Weight. 鈥淥besity is linked to more than 50% of all new cases of Type 2 diabetes,鈥 Dr. Jack says.听
When these risk factors lead to diabetes, your likelihood of other conditions grows. Your risk for kidney failure, and heart attack increases. Additionally, you may experience vision loss or foot ulcers.听听
Proper treatment helps keep diabetes in check. First, you need a diagnosis.听
The Diabetes Experience听
Before diabetes leads to stroke or other complications, it may cause less worrisome symptoms, including:听听
- Blurred vision听
- Extreme thirst听
- Fatigue听
- Frequent urination听
- Weight loss with no known cause听
To get control of your diabetes, pay attention to these symptoms. Discuss them with your primary care provider. A simple blood test can measure your blood sugar levels.听听
A fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dL or higher means you have diabetes. You have prediabetes if you have a fasting blood sugar between 100 and 125 mg/dL. In either case, work with your provider to develop a plan to improve your health and reduce your risk for complications.听
Treatment Built for and Supported by You听
Today, there are many medications available to help manage diabetes. Your provider will help determine the best fit for you.听听
No matter which works for you, you can help it work through healthy lifestyle changes, such as:听
- Eating a healthy, well-balance diet听
- Exercising regularly听
- Managing stress听
- Obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight听
- Stopping or never smoking听
As you make these healthy changes, your care team monitors how the changes affect your body. New technology makes it easier to monitor your diabetes care at home. As you track blood sugar levels, diet and exercise changes, your care team can track your progress virtually.听
鈥This is such an exciting time in obesity and diabetes care,鈥 says Rachel Stahl Salzman, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., C.D.C.E.S., registered dietitian at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and 日本av色情片. 鈥At the core of it is always a lifestyle foundation. Digital health tools help empower people and keep them engaged with their nutrition and exercise.鈥听
Want help detecting and managing diabetes? Find a doctor at 日本av色情片 who can lend a hand.听