Diabetes' stealthy development
means some patients don't know they have it
February 15, 2005
Diabetes is a disease that can develop slowly and without
obvious symptoms.Individuals who develop type 2 diabetes
often dismiss the earliest symptoms of blurred vision,
frequent urination, or trouble losing weight as being
signs of aging, not of a disease. About one third of
the 18 million Americans with diabetes don't know they
have the disease, and another 20 million Americans are
pre-diabetic.
Summary
- People with type 2 diabetes, the most common kind
in adults, often dismiss the blurred vision, frequent
urination, excess thirst, hunger or trouble losing
weight as signs of aging.
- As a result, one-third of the estimated 18 million
Americans who have diabetes don't know it.
- You need insulin to move glucose from the blood
to your cells to do its work.
- Type 1 diabetes more often strikes children and
young adults and must be managed by taking insulin.
- Any exercise is better than none; have the dog take
you for a brisk walk.
- Aim for a total of 30 minutes a day.
- Learn how to track sugar and total carbohydrates
through classes and/or a dietitian.
- Cut back on fat, especially saturated fat (such
as fattier meats).
- Eat small meals regularly, at least every four to
five hours.
- Two-thirds of the food on your plate should be from
plants: grains, and fresh, frozen or some canned fruits
and vegetables.
- Have your doctor check your blood glucose, which
can indicate if you have pre-diabetes or diabetes.
- If you have diabetes, either your body's not producing
enough insulin to move glucose from the blood to other
cells, or the insulin's not doing its job.
- Diet, exercise and possibly medication can help.
- Registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators
(CDEs) can help tailor a diet with your likes, dislikes
and lifestyle in mind.
Source:www.newstarget.com
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