By Olivia Hook
Many of us know someone affected by diabetes, but few know the facts about this serious disease. In 2012, 9.3 percent of the American population (29.1 million people) had diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S., behind Alzheimer’s and stroke. The cost of diabetes in 2012 alone reached a staggering $245 billion between direct medical costs and reduced productivity because of this disease. These numbers are unfortunately on the rise.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed to function in our daily lives. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Other, less common types of diabetes include gestational diabetes, surgically induced diabetes, chemically induced diabetes, and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).
Know the Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes symptoms include excessive thirst and increased urination, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, slow-healing sores or frequent infections, tingling hands or feet, and swollen or tender gums.
Type 1 diabetes is also commonly referred to as “juvenile diabetes” or “insulin-dependent diabetes” because of the likelihood of being diagnosed in patients before the age of 30. According to the Mayo Clinic, Type 1 diabetes accounts for only about 5-10 percent of those diagnosed. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces little to no insulin, and therefore, these patients must get insulin through injections or an insulin pump. Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes appear more suddenly than those of the others types.
Type 2 diabetes was originally referred to as “adult onset diabetes.” However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common among children, as well as adults. Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 90 percent of diabetes cases, and the symptoms are similar to those of Type 1. Unlike the symptoms of Type 1, however, symptoms of Type 2 diabetes come on gradually and sometimes may not be noticed at all. People with Type 2 diabetes often take oral or injectable medication to control blood sugar levels.
Although the direct cause of diabetes remains unknown, obesity and lack of exercise appear to play a role in the development of Type 2 diabetes. Linda Avery, registered dietitian and diabetes educator at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal notes, “If someone wants to try and delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes, it is wise to maintain a healthy weight, be active, and eat well.” Physicians and health care providers urge everyone, with diabetes or not, to eat healthy and exercise. These lifestyle changes can delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
It’s also important to manage diabetes properly if you do have it. An astonishing one-third of all people with diabetes are unaware that they have the disease, according to the World Health Organization. Lack of awareness, combined with insufficient access to health services can lead to diabetes complications. Complications can be quite severe, including blindness, amputation of limbs, and kidney failure.
Diabetes is emerging as a global epidemic; total deaths from diabetes are projected to rise 50-80 percent in the next 10 years, according to the World Health Organization. Paige Beal, registered dietitian and diabetes educator at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, says, “By the year 2050, the increase in diabetes will be estimated to be 1 out of every 3 adults.” Listen to your body and see your doctor if you think you could be experiencing symptoms of diabetes.
Advocate BroMenn’s Women’s Center will present a luncheon entitled, “Managing Your Diabetes During the Holidays” on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 12-1 p.m. Lunch will be served during a diabetes educator’s presentation, and the event will end with a take-home craft. For more information, call 1-800-3-ADVOCATE (1-800-323-8622). Advocate BroMenn Medical Center’s Diabetes Services provides education and nutrition counseling for those with a physician referral. For more information, call 309-268-5952.
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