When should I check to see if I am diabetic?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there are currently 30 million diabetics in the United States. Of this number, 23 million have been diagnosed with the disease while 7 million remain undiagnosed. Diabetes has two types: Type One is caused by the pancreas failing to produce insulin and Type Two is associated with the adult patient and it is caused by the body failing to use enough insulin to process glucose.

Type 2 is generally seen in patients who are overweight, older (over 45 years of age), have a parent, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes. If you are physically sedentary, if you have ever had gestational diabetes and if you are of African American, Hispanic / Latino descent then you are also at risk of developing diabetes.

The symptoms of developing type 2 diabetes are numerous and these include, increased night-time urination, feeling very thirsty, losing weight without trying, feeling hungry and noticing blurry vision. In addition, the diabetic individual may feel very tired, may have dry skin, may have slowly healing ulcers or experience more infections than usual.

These symptoms often develop over a long time and can go for a while without even being noticed. For this very cause it is important to have your blood sugar level checked periodically in order to detect the early onset of diabetes.

The diagnosis of diabetes is no longer a death sentence as it used to be thought of some time ago. However, unlike other diseases, diabetes is mostly managed by the patient. Your primary care provider, your family and the rest of the healthcare team is there to render support. Managing diabetes can be a challenge but remember that everything you can do to improve it is definitely worth the effort!

At FamHealth we are ready, willing, and able to see if you are at risk of developing diabetes and to assist you in a variety of ways in helping you achieve your best blood sugar control. Call us at (919) 782-0430 or simply stop by during our working hours, even without an appointment.