Most people don't know they have diabetes, and that's dangerous

November is recognized nationally as American Diabetes Month and a time to shine the spotlight on a serious disease of epidemic proportions that threatens many Tennesseans. Diabetes is complex disease that deserves much more attention than just one month out of the year.

Tennessee has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the United States. Currently, 10.9 percent of Tennesseans are living with diabetes. The national average is 7.8 percent of the population.

According to the American Diabetes Association, up to one quarter of the people living with diabetes do not even know they have it.

Two types of diabetes exist — Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is absolute insulin deficiency and Type 2 is a syndrome in which a person does not utilize insulin effectively.
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Many factors such as diet, exercise and genetics determine who is at risk of diabetes. Those who make poor dietary choices, are overweight, don't exercise or have a family history of diabetes should remain vigilant for signs of diabetes.

It's a danger to live with undiagnosed diabetes. Without proper medication, diabetes can lead to multiple problems, including cardiovascular disease, vision loss, kidney and nerve damage and stroke.

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms have a slow, gradual onset and can seem harmless. Symptoms include increased fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination, abrupt weight loss, extreme hunger, irritability, blurred vision and numbness in the hands or feet. Other signs of diabetes include dry or itchy skin, frequent infections and cuts and abrasions that take a long time to heal. However, sometimes diabetes has no symptoms until complications appear.

The best way to live a healthy life with diabetes is to get an early diagnosis before things go wrong. Get screened at your yearly checkup or take advantage of free screening offers. During the month of November, the Diabetes Center at Baptist Hospital is offering a free diabetes screening. It's a simple blood test. Just call 284-2800 to make an appointment and get the details.

Fear often prevents individuals from being screened for diabetes. This chronic disease can be managed with appropriate education, treatment and lifestyle changes.

Take advantage of diabetes awareness month and get screened. It could save your life.

source: tennessean