Diabetes is an escalating health crisis, and you certainly want to steer clear of its grasp! In observance of American Diabetes Month, AFC Urgent Care New Britain seeks to raise awareness among those at risk of developing this condition. Regular blood sugar screenings and preventive measures are vital, especially if it has been a while since your last health evaluation.
Understanding Diabetes and Its Different Types
Diabetes is a serious, chronic condition that affects how your body converts food into energy. Central to this process is insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate sugar levels for energy use. There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy.
Type 2 diabetes is particularly common among older adults and is often influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Genetic predisposition can also increase the risk.
Prediabetes, sometimes considered a fourth type, affects more individuals than those diagnosed with diabetes itself.
Annual updates from the CDC reveal alarming trends in diabetes cases and associated risk factors. Key statistics show a surge in prevalence, new diagnoses, and rates of prediabetes. Over the past two decades, the number of diabetes diagnoses has more than doubled due to an aging population, unhealthy eating habits, and rising obesity rates. Diabetes significantly raises the likelihood of heart disease and stroke, emphasizing the critical need for prevention.
Recognizing the Signs and Risk Factors of Diabetes
It’s essential to identify potential risk factors for diabetes, including prediabetes, age, family history, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. A lack of physical activity, a history of gestational diabetes, or having given birth to a larger baby are also contributing risk factors.
Be alert for symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, numbness in the extremities, slow-healing sores, unexplained weight loss, and more.
Preventing Diabetes and Its Complications
Managing your lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk of developing additional health issues. Diabetes heightens the chances of heart disease, one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Smoking exacerbates this risk by narrowing blood vessels and weakening the heart.
The upcoming holiday season can serve as a motivating factor to adopt healthier habits and schedule regular health checkups.
The Importance of Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring
Consistent tracking of blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides enhances your ability to manage or prevent diabetes effectively.
AFC Urgent Care New Britain Is Here to Help!
Visit AFC Urgent Care New Britain at 135 East Main Street, New Britain, CT 06051, any day of the week for A1C testing and comprehensive checkups. We welcome walk-ins and appointments, and we accept most insurance plans. For added convenience, you can take advantage of our online payment system to streamline your “check-in” and “check-out” process after your visit.
