Diabetes

Many people with diabetes are aware of the potential for serious complications, such as blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations. However, many people are unaware that diabetes is also a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. This finding is particularly evident considering that as many as 75% of all deaths among people with diabetes, result from heart related problems.

While most people with diabetes know the importance of controlling blood sugar levels, a national survey of over 2,000 respondents, sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), found that only one out of three people with diabetes considered heart disease to be a concern. A survey conducted by the Utah Department of Health in 2002 found similar results. In this study, over 400 Utahns with diabetes were asked to state what concerned them most about their diabetes. Topping the list were blindness and amputation. Very few named an increased risk of heart disease or stroke as a concern. The link between diabetes and hearth disease is not fully understood; however, people with diabetes have an increase risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and particularly high triglycerides, factors that contribute to heart disease and stroke.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting the body's ability to make or use insulin. Insulin is the hormone that transports glucose from digested nutrients into the body's cells for energy and growth.

There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. When the body cannot produce insulin this is called type 1 diabetes. In order to control their blood sugar the patient must use insulin injections. In type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin but is unable to process it and/or use it correctly in most cases this may be controlled by diet and exercise.

Know Your Numbers!

People with Diabetes need to know possible life savings test numbers. Ask your doctor for these six important tests at each of your regular checkups:

• A1C
• Blood Pressure
• Cholesterol
• Microalbumin
• Eye Exam
• Foot Exam

If you have diabetes, learn about these tests and ask your doctor what the numbers mean. Getting these tests regularly can help you control your diabetes and catch problems before they become serious.

To learn more about Diabetes visit the following sites:

The American Diabetes Association was founded in 1940. The mission of the Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
www.diabetes.org

The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion helps eliminate the preventable burden of diabetes through leadership, research, programs, and policies that translate science into practice.
www.cdc.gov/health/diabetes.htm

National Diabetes Education Program partners with the National Institutes of Health, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and over 200 public and private organizations to educate on diabetes and ways to control and prevent the disease.
http://www.ndep.nih.gov

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