Did you know Cuyahoga County has the highest prevalence of diabetes in Ohio?
Diabetes is not merely a condition; it is an epidemic disease.
November is American Diabetes Month (ADA)—a time to shine a spotlight on a serious disease that leads to potentially life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. This month, join the Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center and the ADA in a national movement to Stop Diabetes(SM).
The problem, regardless of the type of diabetes you have and whether you’ve been diagnosed or are undiagnosed, when you have higher than normal blood sugar levels your blood vessels and nerves will be damaged.
What is pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but are not high enough to be diagnosed. Most people with pre-diabetes develop Type 2 diabetes in 5-10 years.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that prevents the body from properly using energy (carbohydrates) from food. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body no longer makes insulin (insulin deficiency). Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively (insulin resistance) and/or does not make enough insulin (insulin deficiency). Without insulin, or the proper use of insulin, the body cannot transport sugar from the blood into the cells where it is used for energy.
Across the nation, death rates related to diabetes have increased by more than 45% since 1987. It is not “just diabetes.” It is the leading cause of amputation of toes, feet and legs often times due to a small cuts that did not heal. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and dialysis, adult blindness, and a leading cause of heart attack and stroke.
Diabetes is a disease that demands our attention.
With nearly 24 million adults and children living with diabetes in the United States; and one in three children born since 2000 predicted to develop diabetes if current trends continue, it’s time to Stop Diabetes and take action. Diabetes is serious, yet, there are ways to prevent diabetes from developing and to delay or prevent the development of complications.
Even if you do not have diabetes, it is important to be checked regularly; especially if you are at high risk or experience symptoms.
Major risk factors for developing diabetes
- A family history of diabetes
- Race or ethnic background
- Being overweight and having little or no exercise
- History of high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels
- Advancing age
- Smoking
- History of autoimmune disease
It’s important to know the symptoms
- Increased thirst and hunger
- Dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling weak or tired
- Blurred vision
- Numbness or tingling of the hands or feet
- Slow healing sores or cuts
Yearly appointments with your physician are important for the early detection of diabetes and other conditions.
Know your risk factors and know your numbers
- Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol
If you have diabetes, it’s important to frequently discuss your management plan with your doctor, dietitian and certified diabetes educator. Keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels in your target range is your best defense in delaying or preventing the development of diabetes complications.
During American Diabetes Month, and throughout the year, we encourage you to take a moment for your health. You are worth it.
About Lakewood Hospital’s Diabetes and Endocrine Center
Lakewood Hospital was one of the first hospitals on Cleveland’s West Side recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for its outpatient diabetes education program. It is also the only west side hospital that offers physician specialists, dietitians and certified diabetes nurse educators for patients with diabetes in one location. The Center focuses on disease management, education, and prevention as well as the treatment of other endocrine disorders.
For a free Diabetes Resource Kit or for more information about Lakewood Hospital’s Diabetes and Endocrine Center, click here.
For an appointment at the Center, call 216.529.5300.