| Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects as | | | | Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of |
| many as 300 million people worldwide and 17 | | | | diabetes. It usually develops after the age |
| million Americans. Of the 17 million people | | | | of 40. Studies have concluded that those who |
| with diabetes, about one-third of them don't | | | | have type 2 diabetes are overweight. It is |
| even know they have it. Every year, | | | | more common among people who are older, |
| additional cases are diagnosed. It affects | | | | sedentary or obese, or have a family history |
| over six percent of the population now, and | | | | of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is a |
| it has been noted that nearly nine percent of | | | | progressive disease that can cause |
| all Americans will have diabetes by the year | | | | significant complications such as heart |
| 2025. | | | | disease, kidney disease, blindness and loss |
| | | | of limbs through amputation. |
| According to endocrinologist Frank Vinicor of | | | | |
| the CDC (Center For Disease Control): | | | | Treatment differs at various stages of the |
| | | | condition. In its early stages, many people |
| "We're seeing the greatest increase in | | | | with type 2 diabetes can control their blood |
| obesity and lack of physical activity in | | | | glucose levels by losing weight, eating |
| people in their 30's, so therefore it is not | | | | properly and exercising. Oral medication may |
| surprising to find the 70% increase in just 8 | | | | subsequently be prescribed; and for some |
| years. | | | | people with type 2 diabetes, insulin shots |
| | | | may be further required to control their |
| We are now beginning to see the consequences | | | | diabetes. Even though there is no cure for |
| of physical inactivity and weight gain that | | | | diabetes, proper treatment and glucose |
| go well beyond feeling good about yourself or | | | | control enable people with type 2 diabetes to |
| cosmetic issues." | | | | live normal, productive lives. |
| | | | |
| People with diabetes are unable to use the | | | | Studies have determined that people at high |
| glucose in their food for energy. The glucose | | | | risk, who already had early signs of impaired |
| accumulates in the bloodstream, where it can | | | | glucose tolerance, significantly reduced |
| damage the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. | | | | their risk by losing only 5-7 percent of |
| However, the good news is that with proper | | | | their body weight and performing moderate |
| care, people with diabetes can lead normal, | | | | physical activity for 30 minutes a day. |
| satisfying lives. If you have this condition, | | | | Taking diabetes medication also reduces the |
| you must take responsibility for your own | | | | risk. |
| care on a daily basis. Most importantly, | | | | |
| managing the disease requires as much | | | | If you're over 40 and overweight you may |
| research as possible to determine what type | | | | unknowingly have type 2 diabetes. Although a |
| of diabetes you have. | | | | visit to your doctor may be frightening, it |
| | | | may save your life. |