How Does Diabetes Affect Your Health?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that more than 100 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Portland wants to you learn the signs to watch out for when it comes to diabetes, as well as ways you can better manage your condition.

What Is Diabetes?

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases defines diabetes as a disease that occurs when a person’s blood glucose (or blood sugar) level is too high. This occurs because the body is unable to properly process food and use it for energy.

If diabetes is not controlled, a number of health conditions can arise, including heart disease, stroke, eye problems, dental disease, etc. Therefore, it is important to watch out for symptoms, as well as manage the condition properly once diagnosed.

Signs of Diabetes

• Increased thirst

• Increased hunger

• Dry mouth

• Frequent urination

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• Blurred vision

• Headaches

Can Diabetes Be Prevented?

While Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented by managing your weight through regular exercise and watching what you eat on a daily basis.

In general, practicing healthy lifestyle habits is a step in the right direction toward preventing most chronic diseases, including diabetes.

Lifestyle Habits to Help Prevent Diabetes

• Eat a diet high in fruits and veggies, lean protein, and whole grains.

• Exercise regularly.

• Get plenty of quality sleep.

• Don’t smoke.

• Limit your consumption of added sugars and saturated fat.

AFC Portland is open seven days a week to better care for the health of our community! No appointment is needed.