It’s National Diabetes Awareness Month and it’s time to take diabetes to heart! Millions of people are affected by this chronic health condition and there are millions who are not aware of the symptoms and signs that could lead to one of the more serious types of diabetes. Being prediabetic puts you at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Although there isn’t a cure yet for diabetes, it is manageable. It is important to learn more about the disease so that you can seek help if symptoms do arise. AFC Urgent Care Danbury is here to educate you with these top 4 reasons to get checked for diabetes.
Don’t be a Statistic
The numbers don’t lie and every year there is always updated information on the disease and people affected by Diabetes and it’s different types. A study on Diabetes in the United States from the CDC show that:
- 30.3 million people have diabetes
- 84.1 million adults aged 18 years or older have prediabetes ( This is approximately one third of the U.S Population)
- 23.1 million adults aged 65 years or older have prediabetes
Looking at these numbers can be alarming especially the population who have prediabetes. People with prediabetes have elevated blood sugar levels, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. You or your loved ones may fit that population of being prediabetic and it is important to get your blood sugar levels checked regularly as diabetes can affect anyone at any age.
The symptoms and risk factors for Diabetes
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you may be at risk for developing prediabetes and one of the few types of diabetes.
- 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
- Have prediabetes
- Are overweight
- Are 45 years or older
- Have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
- Are physically active less than 3 times a week
- Have ever had gestational diabetes or given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
- Have high blood pressure or take medicine for high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol blood levels
Diabetes can lead to other health complications
This year's National Diabetes Awareness Month's main focus is on the link between the disease and cardiovascular disease. Having diabetes raises your risk for developing other dangerous conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Eye problems
Your lifestyle can say a lot about your physical health. If you also smoke you’re increasing your risk of developing one or more of these other health complications. This is because smoking narrows blood vessels, which makes it harder for your heart to function as it should.
If you’re pregnant you may be at risk for gestational diabetes
Gestational Diabetes can affect both the mother and child during and after pregnancy. During the final trimester a woman is at risk of developing gestational diabetes due to an increase in hormones. It’s important during this time to make sure you protect your newborn from developing diabetes by managing it with a doctor beforehand. If you do get gestational diabetes you still have a chance to prevent yourself from developing type 2 diabetes down the road. In addition, protecting your child now will prevent them from developing diabetes early on in their lives as well.
Get your blood sugar levels checked at any of our AFC Urgent Care Danbury Centers
At AFC Urgent Care Danbury we will not only check your blood sugar levels but will help answer any questions and will point you in the right direction for management and prevention of diabetes. You can walk right in, with no appointment necessary, to any of our Danbury walk-in clinics. We are located at 2 Main Street, 100 Mill Plain Road, and 76c Newtown Road. All 3 of our locations are open 7 days a week and ready to treat you. We accept most insurances.
