Diabetes Epidemic! -- You May Be At Risk
Diabetes Epidemic! -- You May Be At Risk
Diabetes Epidemic! -- You May Be At Risk
Shocking statistic
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one out of every ten Americans has diabetes. That's a shocking statistic. Moreover, they predict that in forty years as many as one in three may have diabetes. Even more shocking! And even more people may be "prediabetic."
Diabetes is number 7 in the leading causes of death, and a contributor to other deaths such as heart disease and stroke.
CDC points to the growing prevalence of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles of many Americans as the main culprit responsible for this epidemic.
Lest you think that diabetes is just America's problem, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) said in 2006 that diabetes affects 246 million people worldwide, growing to 380 million in twenty years. "Diabetes is fast becoming the epidemic of the 21st century," according to IDF.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes (formal name: diabetes mellitus) is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. Diabetes is a chronic condition that usually cannot be cured but can be treated. It can lead to serious complications.
Do you have symptoms that may point to diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes symptoms include unusual thirst and weight loss; extreme hunger, fatigue and irritability, and frequent urination.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms include the above -- plus blurred vision; cuts and bruises that take too long to heal; tingling in feet or hands; recurring infections, including gum, bladder, or skin infections.
What can happen if you get diabetes?
People with diabetes suffer with numerous complications. Take eye problems, for example. People with diabetes will get disorders of the retina called retinopathy; they are 40% more likely to get glaucoma that those without diabetes; they are 60% more likely to get cataracts.
Or take foot problems. Nerve damage is called neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy can take away your ability to feel pain -- you many not feel a foot injury. Your feet and toes may change shape. You may get infections.
The list of complications goes on -- diabetes can lead to skin problems, high blood pressure and stroke, oral health problems, and other problems up to and including death.
Even if you do not have diabetes, you may be "prediabetes" with a high risk of getting type 2 diabetes in the next 4 to 6 years. If your glucose (blood sugar) level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetic, you are prediabetes.
What should you do
First of all, if you suffer from any of the diabetic symptoms, see your doctor at once.
Second, if you are overweight, pick a good weight loss plan and start immediately to shed excess fat. If you have tried in the past to lose weight, but couldn't, examine the reasons why you couldn't and make a renewed effort to overcome your roadblocks to losing weight.
Third, eat like a diabetic -- cut your sugar intake, eat healthy and nutritious foods, pay attention to what you eat.
Fourth, get active. Take walks. Add muscle strengthening exercises.
Do you want to lose weight? Have you tried diets in the past that failed you? Are you discouraged because you haven't found success in your weight loss journey? Know that you CAN lose weight. You just need some help.
Welcome to Weight Loss Solutions -- your guide to weight loss success! Here you will find dieting tips, helpful articles such as What Do Carbohydrates Do, more info on choosing the right macronutrient ratio, reviews of weight loss products, and much more.
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