You Could Have Diabetes and Not Know It

Designating an entire month to raising awareness about a specific disease underscores the need for widespread education about the condition.   Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and potential cures for a disease will help reduce occurrences and increase survival rates over time.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, which spotlights both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.   The CDC estimates that over 30 million Americans have diabetes, and approximately 1/4 of them don’t know it.   Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that develops when the body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.   Without insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar, the sugar remains in the blood, potentially causing serious damage to organ systems and leading to heart disease.   Those with Type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections to regulate their blood sugar.   Two well-known people with Type 1 diabetes are Nick Jonas and Jay Cutler.

Type 2 diabetes is more common, and is characterized by a high level of blood sugar that is   mostly caused by the food a person eats.   With Type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly.   Too much sugar remains in the blood, potentially causing internal damage.   Fortunately, this type of diabetes can be managed and even prevented.

Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include being overweight, physically inactive, and genetically predisposed to it.   If you think you may have Type 2 diabetes, it’s important to be tested with a simple blood test.   Symptoms to look for include increased hunger, thirst, and urination; feeling tired and having blurred vision; numbness or tingling in the feet or hands; and unexplained weight loss.   Symptoms can develop slowly and be mild, making them difficult to notice.   Some people exhibit no symptoms.

To schedule diabetes testing or for additional information, please contact Dr. Priyanka Gauravi, Endocrinologist or Teresa Stout, Certified Diabetic Educator at Morrison Community Hospital.

Morrison Community Hospital

303 North Jackson Street

Morrison, IL 61270

815-772-5590

www.morrisonhospital.com

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