Diabetes remains a significant health concern, affecting millions of Americans each year. This American Diabetes Awareness Month, it's crucial to recognize the condition to prevent its advancement. With the right information, diabetes can often be managed or even prevented. At AFC Urgent Care Danbury East, we’ve prepared a guide to help you navigate diabetes and its associated risks, empowering you to take proactive measures toward prevention.
Types of Diabetes
While lifestyle choices greatly influence the onset of diabetes, genetics and family history also play important roles. Here’s an overview of the main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: This form of diabetes occurs due to an autoimmune reaction that causes the body to attack itself, preventing insulin production. Although less common than Type 2, it stops the body from generating the insulin necessary for enabling blood sugar to enter cells for energy. Without insulin, blood sugar levels can rise, leading to complications affecting the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, teenagers, and young adults and requires daily insulin administration to prevent damage to vital organs.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most prevalent form of diabetes in the U.S., primarily affecting adults but also emerging in younger individuals. Poor lifestyle choices, such as smoking, lack of exercise, and unhealthy diets, often contribute to this condition. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes struggle to regulate insulin, causing the body to produce excess insulin, which elevates blood sugar levels. Managing Type 2 diabetes can be challenging, with many individuals facing ongoing health issues.
- Gestational Diabetes: This serious condition can impact both the mother and child during and after pregnancy. Hormonal changes and weight gain during pregnancy can lead to insulin resistance, making women more susceptible to developing gestational diabetes in late pregnancy and increasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes later on.
Prediabetes is often considered a fourth type of diabetes. We encourage anyone with a family history or predisposition to diabetes to seek a comprehensive checkup. Prediabetes is on the rise, and many individuals with borderline diabetes are unaware of their condition!
Alarming Diabetes Statistics
The statistics surrounding diabetes are revealing, showcasing the increasing prevalence of the disease and the number of individuals affected. If you haven’t been regularly checking your blood sugar levels, consider these striking statistics:
- In 2019, 37.3 million Americans (11.3% of the population) had diabetes.
- Of these, nearly 1.9 million had Type 1 diabetes, including around 244,000 children and adolescents.
- Among the adults with diabetes, 28.7 million were diagnosed, while 8.5 million remained undiagnosed.
- Approximately 1.4 million Americans are newly diagnosed with diabetes each year.
- In 2019, 96 million Americans aged 18 and older had prediabetes, up from 84 million the previous year.
- Over the past 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled, largely due to aging, poor dietary habits, and increased weight.
- Individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to experience heart disease or stroke compared to those without the condition.
If it's been a while since your last blood work, you might be questioning your prediabetes or diabetes status.
Recognizing Risks to Prevent Diabetes
Before discussing preventive measures, it’s vital to identify the warning signs of diabetes. If you notice any of the following symptoms or risk factors, it’s essential to seek evaluation and blood work:
- Being overweight (considering childhood obesity in children)
- Family history of diabetes
- Insufficient physical activity
- High blood pressure or taking medication for high blood pressure
- Low HDL cholesterol and/or elevated triglycerides
- History of gestational diabetes
- Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Common Symptoms Associated with Diabetes:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased hunger
- Slow-healing sores and frequent infections
- Red, swollen gums
- Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
Concerned About Your Blood Sugar Levels Before the Holidays?
If you’re worried about your blood sugar levels and can’t get an appointment with your primary care physician, don’t fret! AFC Urgent Care Danbury is here to help at any of our three locations:
- 2 Main St.
- 100 Mill Plain Rd.
- 76c Newtown Rd.
An A1C test can provide valuable insights into your blood sugar levels. After that, you can discuss preventive measures with your healthcare provider, including dietary changes, increased physical activity, and regular monitoring of blood work.
AFC Urgent Care is open seven days a week, with no appointments necessary. You can walk in or schedule an appointment online, and we’ll take great care of you! Don’t forget to utilize our easy-to-navigate online payment system, allowing you to settle your bill in just a few clicks.Just a friendly reminder, our facility accepts most insurances.
