It’s National Diabetes Awareness Month and it’s time to take diabetes to heart! AFC Urgent Care Torrington encourages everyone to get their blood sugar levels checked at least once a year. Why? Because millions of people in the U.S. are affected by this chronic health condition and there are millions who are not aware of the symptoms and signs that could lead to one of the more serious types of diabetes.
Being prediabetic also puts you at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Although there isn’t a cure yet for diabetes, it is manageable. But most importantly, it’s preventable if you’re on top of your health. Here are 4 reasons why you should get your blood sugar levels checked for diabetes.
Diabetes affects millions of people every year!
Diabetes numbers rise every year! In the most recent study on Diabetes in the United States from the CDC show that:
- 30.3 million people have diabetes (!)
- 84.1 million adults aged 18 years or older have prediabetes (approximately one third of the U.S population)
- 23.1 million adults aged 65 years or older have prediabetes
Looking at these numbers can be alarming, especially the population who suffer from prediabetes. Prediabetics have elevated blood sugar levels, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. You or your loved ones may fit the population of be. Diabetes can affect anyone at any age.
The Symptoms and Risk Factors for Diabetes can Sneak Up On You
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you may be at risk for developing prediabetes and one of the few types of diabetes.
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
- Sores that do not heal
- Unexplained weight loss
- Have prediabetes
- Are overweight
- Are 45 years or older
- Have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
- Are physically active less than 3 times a week
- Have ever had gestational diabetes or given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
- Have high blood pressure or take medicine for high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol blood levels
Diabetes can onset other health complications and conditions!
This year's National Diabetes Awareness Month's main focus is on the link between the disease and cardiovascular disease. Having diabetes raises your risk for developing other dangerous conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Eye problems
Your lifestyle can say a lot about your physical health. For instance, if you smoke, you’re increasing your risk of developing one or more of these other health complications. This is because smoking narrows blood vessels, which makes it harder for your heart to function as it should.
Pregnancy may put you and your baby at risk for gestational diabetes
Gestational Diabetes can affect both the mother and child during and after pregnancy. During the final trimester a woman is at risk of developing gestational diabetes due to an increase in hormones. It’s important during this time to make sure you protect your newborn from developing diabetes by managing it with a doctor beforehand. If you do get gestational diabetes you still have a chance to prevent yourself from developing type 2 diabetes down the road. In addition, protecting your child now will prevent them from developing diabetes early on in their lives as well.
AFC Urgent Care Torrington Encourages Everyone To Get Screened for Diabetes and Have Their Blood Sugar Levels Checked
AFC Urgent Care Torrington hopes this Diabetes Awareness Month encourages more people to get their blood sugar levels checked while taking the necessary steps to reduce their risk of getting full blown diabetes. Our doors are open 7 days a week for walk-in visits. There is no appointment needed and we can do a routine check up and blood work to check your blood sugar levels.
Stop by today!
