Do you have diabetes?

In 2012, it was estimated that 9.3% of the population had diabetes.1 Diabetes is becoming more prevalent due to bad diet, lack of exercise and obesity. Diabetes remains the 7th leading cause of death in the United States in 2010.1 There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, about 10% of the diabetes population is type 1.2 Type 2 diabetes the body does not produce enough insulin for proper function and 90% of all diabetes cases worldwide are type 2.2

Type 1 diabetes is often referred to insulin dependent, juvenile diabetes or early-onset diabetes.2 Type 1 diabetes is not as common as type 2. People diagnosed with diabetes will have to take some type of insulin injection for the rest of their life.2

2Nordqvist, C. (2015, May 19). Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments. Retrieved October 11, 2015.

Type 2 diabetes is the more common case. Type 2 diabetes can often be controlled by losing weight, following a healthy diet, exercise and monitoring their blood glucose levels.2 Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease and can become worse if not recognized and not making the mandatory life changes.2 You are more susceptible to diabetes if you are:

·      Overweight2

·      Physically inactive2

·      Over the age of 402

·      Have a bad diet2

·      A man with low testosterone levels2

Diabetes are often common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian American/Pacific Islander populations.1 People who may not be officially diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may have mild symptoms so they go unnoticed.1 Typical diabetes symptoms are:

·      Urinating often1

·      Feeling thirsty1

·      Feeling very hungry-even though you are eating1

·      Extreme fatigue1

·      Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal1

·      Weight loss – even though you are eating more (Type 1)1

·      Tingling, pain or numbness in hands or feet (Type 2)1

Common myths about diabetes such as:

Myth: If you are overweight, or obese, you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes.1

Fact: This answer is not so simple. Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle behaviors.1 Being overweight does increase your risk of developing diabetes but doesn’t mean you will have it.1

Myth: If you have diabetes, you should only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as breads, pastas or potatoes.1

Fact: Starchy foods can be a part of any healthy meal plan but portion size is key.1

Diabetes is a very serious and even can be a fatal disease if not properly taken care of. It’s important to lead a healthy lifestyle and stay active to take care of your body because it’s the only one you’ve got!

1Diabetes Basics. (n.d.). Retrieved October 11, 2015.

2Nordqvist, C. (2015, May 19). Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments. Retrieved October 11, 2015.