Diabetes is a significant health issue affecting millions of Americans annually. This American Diabetes Month, it's essential to comprehend this condition to prevent its progression. Diabetes is often manageable and even preventable with the right knowledge. AFC Urgent Care Danbury has compiled a guide to help you grasp diabetes and the associated risks. Being well-informed empowers you to take action to avoid it.
Different Types of Diabetes
Lifestyle choices can play a pivotal role in causing diabetes, but genetics and family history also matter. Let's delve into the primary types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: This type results from an immune reaction where the body mistakenly attacks itself. While less common than Type 2, it halts the body from producing insulin. Insulin enables blood sugar to enter body cells for energy. Without insulin, blood sugar accumulates, leading to complications in the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Typically, it's diagnosed in children, teenagers, and young adults. Managing Type 1 diabetes necessitates daily insulin administration, as elevated blood sugar can harm vital organs.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form in the United States, Type 2 diabetes primarily affects adults but can emerge at any age. Poor lifestyle habits, including smoking, insufficient exercise, and an unhealthy diet, often lead to Type 2 diabetes. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes have trouble regulating insulin. In response, the body produces more insulin, raising blood sugar levels. Once diagnosed, many struggle with daily management and associated health issues.
- Gestational Diabetes: A serious type that can affect both mother and child during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy leads to increased hormone production and weight gain, causing some insulin resistance. This resistance makes women more susceptible to developing gestational diabetes during late pregnancy and even Type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy.
***Prediabetes is often considered a 4th type of diabetes. We urge anyone with a family history or predisposition to diabetes to get a full checkup. Prediabetes is also on the rise and most people who are borderline diabetic, don’t even know they have it!
Rising Diabetes Statistics
The statistics speak volumes, with each year witnessing an increase in the disease's prevalence and the numbers affected. If you haven't been monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly, consider these startling 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 approximately 244,000 children and adolescents.
- Among the adults with diabetes, 28.7 million were diagnosed, and 8.5 million were undiagnosed.
- An astounding 1.4 million Americans are newly diagnosed with diabetes every year.
- In 2019, 96 million Americans aged 18 and older had prediabetes, an increase from the previous year's 84 million.
- In the last two decades, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled, owing to the aging population, poor dietary habits, and increased weight.
- People with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease or a stroke than those without.
If it's been a while since your last blood work, you may be wondering about your prediabetes or diabetes status.
Recognizing Your Risks to Prevent Diabetes
Before discussing preventive measures, it's essential to identify warning signs for diabetes. If you notice any of these symptoms or risk factors, seeking evaluation and blood work is imperative:
Risk factors for diabetes:
- Being overweight (in children, be cautious of childhood obesity)
- Family history of diabetes
- Lack of physical activity
- High blood pressure or taking blood pressure medication
- Low HDL cholesterol and/or high triglycerides
- Previous diabetes during pregnancy
- Diagnosis with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Watch out for these diabetes-associated symptoms:
- 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 secure an appointment with your primary care physician, don't fret. AFC Urgent Care Danbury can assist you at any of their three locations:
- 2 Main St.
- 100 Mill Plain Rd.
- 76c Newtown Rd.
An A1C test can provide insights into your blood sugar levels. Subsequently, you can discuss preventive measures with your healthcare provider, such as dietary changes, increased exercise, and regular blood work and monitoring.
AFC Urgent Care is open seven days a week, no appointments are necessary. Feel free to walk in or make an appointment online, and they will take excellent care of you! We also offer an easy to use online payment system that will have you paying your bill in just a few clicks.
