Approximately 17 million people in the United States have diabetes.
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by Leslie Anderson
Approximately 17 million people in the United States have diabetes. While an estimated 11.1 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 5.9 million people are unaware that they have the disease.
Finding out you have diabetes is upsetting, but don’t panic. Sure, diabetes is serious. But people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives. You can too by taking good care of yourself. Diabetes can cause major health problems.
However, you can have a positive influence on your blood glucose and your overall health by choosing foods wisely, exercising regularly, reducing your stress level, and making modest lifestyle changes.
People with diabetes have the same nutritional needs as anyone else.
Along with exercise and medications (insulin or oral diabetes pills), nutrition is important for good diabetes control. By eating well-balanced meals in the correct amounts, you can keep your blood glucose level as close to normal (non-diabetes level) as possible.
There are 3 types of diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes.
In Type 1 Diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In Type 2 Diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.
Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women – about 135,000 cases in the United States each year. Make it a priority to take good care of your body. The time you spend now on oral health, skin care, foot care, eye care, and heart health could delay or prevent the onset of dangerous diabetes complications later in life.
And, one of the best things anyone can do for his or her body is to stop smoking. To help you learn more about diabetes, Access II has invited Heartland Diabetes Center to our facility at 611 W. Johnson, Gallatin, on April 30, 1-3 p.m.
This free seminar will address diagnosis, foot care, medication, nutrition, and taking care of yourself. For more information, reasonable accommodations or to reserve limited seating, call us at 660-663-2423 (voice) or 660-663-2663 (TDD) by April 25, 2003.