Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects several million people every year. In fact, 1.5 million new diabetes cases are diagnosed each year - this number is expected to triple by 2050.

Diabetes is not a condition to take lightly. As of 2016, it remains the 7th leading cause of death in the United States. Take a look at a few of these early warning signs:

  • Frequent urination
  • Feeling hungry all the time
  • Dry mouth and increased thirst
  • Blurred vision
  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Yeast infections in women
  • Slow healing wounds, cuts, sores
  • Frequent headaches that are moderate to severe
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Numbness/tingling in hands and feet

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it will be within one of the three types listed below:

Type 1 diabetes is when the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks down carbohydrates from your foods or drinks into blood glucose (sugar). Insulin is a hormone that allows your body to use glucose from your bloodstream for energy.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and develops when your body is insulin resistant or is not able to use insulin properly.

Gestational diabetes affects 9.2% of pregnant women and occurs when a pregnant woman who has never had diabetes has high blood glucose levels during pregnancy.

If you have any reason to suspect you could be developing or already have diabetes, act quickly. Early detection and treatment can decrease your risk of developing health complications like those listed below:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Nerve/blood vessel damage
  • Pain/loss of feeling in your feet
  • Toe and foot amputations
  • Vision loss
  • Kidney failure
  • Gum disease
  • Digestive difficulties

The National Center for Farmworker Health has a Diabetes Resource Hub that also includes some helpful information about prediabetes, self-management tips, and brochures. For more information check it out at:  http://www.ncfh.org/diabetesresourcehub.html.

Thousands of SIHF Healthcare patients are successfully controlling their A1C levels; are you? Act now by scheduling a visit with one of our local SIHF Healthcare professionals. Our providers create personalized action plans to help you manage and/or lower your risk for diabetes.

Don’t wait another day; find a SIHF Healthcare provider near you by clicking here.

To learn more about Diabetes and Diabetes Management, visit:  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLudfGJlIEpnZsrpmmZF4aBROOT30wQCeD