Guest guest Posted September 19, 2004 Report Share Posted September 19, 2004 DIABETES - SILENT KILLER Diabetes is a life-long disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. It can be caused by too little insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar), resistance to insulin, or both. There are many risk factors for diabetes, including: A parent, brother, or sister with diabetes Obesity Age greater than 45 years Some ethnic groups (particularly African-Americans ,Hispanic Americans & Indians) Gestational diabetes or delivering a baby weighing more than 9 pounds High blood pressure High blood levels of triglycerides (a type of fat molecule) High blood cholesterol level The Doctors recommends that all adults be screened for diabetes at least every three years. A person at high risk should be screened more often. Symptoms High blood levels of glucose can cause several problems, including frequent urination, excessive thirst, hunger, fatigue, weight loss, and blurry vision. However, because type 2 diabetes develops slowly, some people with high blood sugar experience no symptoms at all. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes: Increased thirst Increased urination Weight loss in spite of increased appetite Fatigue Nausea Vomiting Symptoms of type 2 diabetes: Increased thirst Increased urination Increased appetite Fatigue Blurred vision Slow-healing infections Impotence in men You have a higher risk for diabetes if you have any of the following: Family history of diabetes Low activity level Poor diet Excess body weight (especially around the waist) Age greater than 45 years High blood pressure High blood levels of triglycerides (a type of fat molecule) HDL cholesterol of less than 35 Previously identified impaired glucose tolerance by your doctor Previous diabetes during pregnancy or baby weighing more than 9 pounds Everyone over 45 should have their blood glucose checked at least every three years. Regular testing of random blood glucose should begin at a younger age, and be performed more often, if you are at higher risk for diabetes Toms Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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