Diabetes: Know the Facts
What is Diabetes:
Diabetes is a serious disease that occurs when the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood is higher than normal. This happens when insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar, does not do its job properly.
Diabetes can cause heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and loss of feet or legs.
Diabetes cannot be cured but if you become aware of the signs and risks factors of diabetes before it becomes serious, and make modest lifestyle changes, you can control it.
Approximately one in twelve New Yorkers has diabetes; about half don’t know it.
What are the Signs of Diabetes:
You might not realize that you have diabetes because the signs seem harmless, but if you have any of the following, tell your doctor.
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Unusual weight loss
- Increased fatigue
- Irritability
- Blurry vision
Risk Factors for Diabetes:
- If you are over age 45
- If you are overweight
- If you have a family history of diabetes
- If you have high blood pressure
Are You at Risk for Diabetes:
Answer the questions from the American Diabetes Association pencil and paper risk test. Keep track of the number of times you answer yes:
- Are you a woman who has had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth?
- Do you have a sister or brother with diabetes?
- Do you have a parent with diabetes?
- Find your height on the following chart. Do you weigh as much or more than the weight listed for your height?
- Are you under 65 years old and get little or no exercise in a regular day?
- Are you between 45 and 64 years old?
- Are you 65 years old or older?
What Does Your "Yes" Score Mean:
0-2 Very low risk
3-9 Low to medium risk
10+ High risk
Be sure to let your doctor know if you score 10 or higher on this Diabetes Risk Test
Reduce Your Risk/ Manage Your Diabetes:
Have a plan that includes the following:
Get regular medical checkups.
Track your progress.
Keep your blood pressure at a healthy level (less than 130/80).
Control your cholesterol (LDL cholesterol should be less than 100).
Stop smoking.
Work toward an ideal weight:
Even a 5-10 pound weight loss can have a helpful effect.
Before you begin any weight loss program, talk to your health care professional.
Eat healthy meals in correct amounts.
Watch your portion sizes.
Add 2 or more vegetables and fruits to your diet.
Eat more whole grain products such as barley, corn, oats, wheat and rye or brown rice.
Move More:
Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
Find an activity you enjoy.
Join a local mall-walking program.
Keep at it.
If you get off track, start again.
Don’t get discouraged.
Rockland County Diabetes Resource Guide:
The Rockland County Diabetes Resource Guide is a listing of public services in Rockland County available to persons at risk for diabetes, newly diagnosed with diabetes, or living with diabetes. UPDATED VERSION COMING SOON
