What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose), which is a key source of energy. It occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. Insulin is the hormone that helps glucose enter the cells for energy.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
- An autoimmune disease where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Usually diagnosed in children or young adults.
- Requires daily insulin injections or an insulin pump.
Type 2 Diabetes
- Results from insulin resistance and the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin.
- Often linked to obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity but also influenced by genetics.
- Managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes insulin.
Gestational Diabetes
- Occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth.
- Increases the mother’s and baby’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Diabetes in the United States
- Overall Prevalence: Approximately 38.4 million people (11.6% of the population) in the U.S. have diabetes.
- This includes 2 million individuals with Type 1 diabetes, including 304,000 children and adolescents.
- About 8.7 million people have diabetes but are undiagnosed.
- Prediabetes: An estimated 97.6 million adults (38.0% of the population) have prediabetes.
- Older Adults: Among adults aged 65 and older, 29.2% (16.5 million people) have diabetes.
Complications of Diabetes
Without proper management, diabetes can lead to serious health issues:
- Heart disease and stroke.
- Kidney failure.
- Nerve damage (neuropathy), leading to foot ulcers and possible amputations.
- Vision problems, including blindness.
Managing Diabetes
Effective management includes:
- Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Monitoring blood sugar levels.
- Taking prescribed medication or insulin as needed.
- Regular medical check-ups to monitor complications.
Significance
These statistics emphasize the widespread impact of diabetes in the U.S., underlining the importance of awareness, prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment strategies to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of complications.
Take control of your health today. Better health IS within your reach.
Are you ready to start down the path to a healthier you? Reverse or manage a chronic disease?
Call Us: