Did you know there are millions of people affected by diabetes and millions who are not aware that they’re borderline diabetic. In light of Diabetes Awareness Month, AFC Urgent Care Dedham encourages people to take care of their heart health!
Some of you may not know the risks and symptoms which could lead to one of the more serious types of diabetes. For this reason, it’s important that you manage these symptoms now, as it may lead to more serious health complications like cardiovascular disease.
If you are wondering if you are borderline diabetic, we created a guide for you to know the risks, symptoms and how to prevent it.
Diabetes affects millions of people everyday
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 when we see the population suffering from prediabetes. People with prediabetes have elevated blood sugar levels, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Do you or your loved ones may fit that population of being prediabetic? If so, it is important to get your blood sugar levels checked regularly as diabetes can affect anyone at any age.
What risk factors or symptoms of diabetes should I look out for?
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 may 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.
Pregnant women may also 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 AFC Urgent Care Dedham
Diabetes is a serious health threat. If you or a loved one is worried about diabetes, we encourage you to get your blood sugar levels checked at AFC Urgent Care Dedham. We are affordable, convenient and we provide quality care to all of our friends and families in the Dedham community.
There is no appointment needed. We are open 7 days a week with extended hours on the weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm and weekend hours from 8 am to 5pm. We also accept most insurances.
