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