March 27th is the American Diabetes Alert Day.  The goal of this day, which is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), is to help raise awareness about diabetes in general, and to identify those who are at risk for developing this disease. 

Diabetes is a serious illness that affects over 20 million adults and children in America.  Each year over 200,000 people in America die as a result of complications from diabetes.  Nearly one third of those affected have not been diagnosed with the disease and are not aware they have it.  Therefore, those individuals are likely to have more severe complications and an overall negative impact on their health until they are able to learn to manage their illness. 

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy. The exact cause of diabetes is unclear, however both genetics and environmental factors appear to play roles.

Some controllable risk factors, or environmental factors, include diet, activity level, obesity, and smoking.  Certain medications may also increase your risk of developing diabetes.  Keeping these factors in check can go a long way towards prevention, but there are genetic risk factors as well.  There is data that indicates that diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.  It is also more common in those who have an immediate family member who has been diagnosed with diabetes.  Risk increases as a person ages and or faces changes in activity levels and lifestyle.  Persons from certain ethnic backgrounds or with a family history should pay special attention to the risks.

One of the reasons that diabetes is often left undiagnosed is because many of the symptoms do not seem serious, so they are ignored.  Symptoms may include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, decreased energy levels, irritability, or changes in vision.  If you have any of these symptoms it is important to discuss this with your physician.  Testing someone for diabetes is simple and accurate. 

The ADA currently has a risk calculator on their website at http://www.diabetes.org/risk-test.jsp and by inputting data such as your height, weight, and basic background information you can assess your risk level.  After completing the calculation, the website will give you information on how to lower your risk or maintain a healthy lifestyle that will help prevent developing diabetes.  On March 27th we encourage you to share this information with friends or loved ones who may be affected.

Information in this article was obtained from the ADA.  For additional information about diabetes, other health care issues, or any caregiver related concern please contact your ElderCare Specialist at 314-802-5106 or hobrien@standrews1.com.