This American Diabetes Awareness Month, it's time to prioritize your well-being. Diabetes affects millions of people, and there are many who might not recognize the symptoms or risks leading to the more serious types of diabetes.
Our message this holiday season is clear: don't become another statistic! We're addressing pre-diabetic individuals too, who are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Your numbers matter, and it's crucial to understand the disease, identify symptoms, and take steps to prevent it. AFC Urgent Care Danbury is here to provide diabetes education and offers A1C tests to monitor your blood sugar levels.
Facts about American Diabetes Month
The numbers never lie, and each year brings updated information about the disease and its impact. According to the CDC's study on Diabetes in the United States:
- In 2019, 37.3 million Americans (11.3% of the population) had diabetes.
- Nearly 1.9 million Americans have Type 1 diabetes, including about 244,000 children and adolescents.
- Of the 37.3 million adults with diabetes, 28.7 million were diagnosed, and 8.5 million were undiagnosed.
- Among Americans aged 65 and older, 29.2% (15.9 million) had diabetes.
- Every year, 1.4 million Americans are newly diagnosed with diabetes.
- In 2019, 96 million Americans aged 18 and older had prediabetes.
- Over the past two decades, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled due to aging, poor dietary habits, and increased weight.
These numbers can be alarming, especially when considering the population with prediabetes. Pre Diabetics have elevated blood sugar levels, not yet at the level for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. You or your loved ones may be part of this group, making regular blood sugar level checks essential since diabetes can affect people of any age.
Recognizing Symptoms and Risk Factors
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be at risk for prediabetes or one of the various diabetes types:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
- Sores that do not heal
- Unexplained weight loss
Risk factors for diabetes:
- Prediabetes
- Overweight
- Age 45 or older
- Family history of Type 2 diabetes
- Physical activity less than three times a week
- Gestational diabetes during pregnancy or birthing a baby weighing over 9 pounds
- High blood pressure or use of high blood pressure medication
- Elevated cholesterol levels
Preventing Further Health Complications
This year's focus for National Diabetes Awareness Month is on the connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Diabetes increases your risk of other serious conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Eye problems
Your lifestyle plays a pivotal role in your physical health. Smoking further raises your risk of developing one or more of these health issues, as it narrows blood vessels, impeding your heart's proper function.
If you're pregnant, you may be at risk for gestational diabetes. This condition can affect both the mother and child during and after pregnancy. Women in their final trimester are prone to gestational diabetes due to hormonal changes. Early management with a doctor can protect your child from early-onset diabetes and prevent your development of Type 2 diabetes down the line.
AFC Urgent Care Danbury: Your Partner in Diabetes Screening
At AFC Urgent Care Danbury, we not only check your blood sugar levels but also provide guidance and answers to your questions about diabetes management and prevention.
You can visit any of our Danbury AFC clinics, including those at 2 Main Street, 100 Mill Plain Road, and 76c Newtown Road. All three locations are open seven days a week, ready to serve you, and most insurances are accepted. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome.
Don’t forget to check out our online payment system. It’s easy to use and you’ll be able to pay your bill in just a few clicks.
