Diabetes affects millions of people across the United States every day. This chronic condition disrupts how your body converts food into energy, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. If left unmanaged, diabetes can damage your nerves, blood vessels, heart, and kidneys.

At AFC Urgent Care Malden, we aim to equip you with vital information regarding the risks associated with diabetes. During this American Diabetes Month, we want to ensure you are knowledgeable about diabetes, its risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures. Let’s explore the details:

Understanding the Three Types of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 Diabetes
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Gestational Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form, typically affecting adults later in life. However, lifestyle choices such as poor nutrition, smoking, and a lack of physical activity can significantly influence its onset. A family history of diabetes also heightens the risk.

Prediabetes is often considered a fourth type of diabetes. We encourage anyone with a family history or susceptibility to diabetes to get a comprehensive checkup, as many people who are borderline diabetic are unaware of their condition.

Am I at Risk of Developing Diabetes?

If you answered "yes" to having a family history of diabetes, your risk for developing the condition is considerably elevated. Common risk factors include:

• Having prediabetes
• Being overweight
• Being 45 years or older
• Having a close relative with Type 2 diabetes
• Exercising less than three times a week
• A history of gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds
• Having high blood pressure or taking medication for it
• Elevated cholesterol levels

Recognizing the Symptoms of Diabetes

Did you know that over 88 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes, with 84% unaware of their condition? It's essential to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms before it's too late. Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Excessive hunger
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Slow-healing sores
• Unexplained weight loss

Avoid Becoming a Diabetes Statistic

Diabetes can lead to severe health complications, including heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage. The CDC reports a concerning rise in diabetes cases:

• In 2019, 37.3 million Americans (11.3% of the population) had diabetes.
• Nearly 1.9 million individuals were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, including around 244,000 children and adolescents.
• Of the 37.3 million adults with diabetes, 28.7 million were diagnosed, while 8.5 million remained undiagnosed.
• Among seniors aged 65 and older, the prevalence rate was 29.2%, affecting 15.9 million seniors.
• Each year, 1.4 million Americans receive a new diabetes diagnosis.
• In 2019, 96 million adults aged 18 and older had prediabetes.
• Over the past two decades, the number of diagnosed diabetes cases has more than doubled, driven by aging, poor eating habits, and increased weight.
• Individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease or stroke compared to those without.

This year, we encourage everyone to undergo regular blood work to monitor their sugar levels. An A1C test can help determine your blood sugar levels, and with that information, you can discuss prevention strategies with your doctor or one of our providers. If necessary, we can refer you to a diabetes specialist.

AFC Urgent Care Malden is Here for You

AFC Urgent Care Malden is committed to helping you reduce your risk of developing diabetes. If you are concerned about being borderline diabetic or have a family member facing similar issues, or if you worry that holiday indulgences might spike your blood sugar levels, we’re here to assist you.

Visit AFC Urgent Care Malden, open seven days a week. You can walk in or make an appointment from 8 AM to 8 PM, Monday to Friday, and 8 AM to 5 PM on weekends.We accept most insurances. We offer an easy-to-use online payment system to simplify your bill payments. We’ll monitor your blood sugar levels before and after the holiday season, providing the guidance and support you need for a healthier life.