About 17 million people in the United States have diabetes,
but 5 million are unaware that they have it. In fact, by the time diabetes is
diagnosed, most individuals have already had diabetes for 7 to 10 years.
According to statistics from the Missouri Health Status Report,
diabetes is a prominent chronic disease in central Missouri. Currently, more
than 8,000 people in Cole and the surrounding 7 county service area live with
some type of diabetes. Of those, more than 4,500 men, women and children are
undiagnosed victims of this insidious disease, which increases risk for heart
disease, stroke, amputation, kidney disorders and blindness. More than 140 area
residents die of diabetes-related causes each year.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the
Missouri Patient Care Review Foundation has identified diabetes prevention and
control as a priority to improve the health of Missourians.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is an elevation of blood sugar resulting from the
body’s inability to make or properly use insulin. There are two types
of diabetes:
Type 1 – The body does not make insulin.
Ten percent of those with diabetes are Type 1.
Type 2 – The body makes insulin, but
does not make enough of it or may not use it properly. Ninety percent of those
with diabetes are Type 2.
Risk Factors
Over 40
Overweight
Family history of diabetes
African American, Native American, Hispanic
Diabetes during a pregnancy
Have given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 lbs
High blood pressure
Stress of illness or injury
Symptoms
Increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination
Fatigue
Blurry vision
Numbness or tingling of the hands and feet
Frequent infections, slow healing wounds
Problems with sexual function
Slow healing cuts or sores
Early detection is the key. The most common symptom of elevated
blood sugar is no symptom at all. Diabetes does not necessarily make you feel
bad. If you are at risk for diabetes or have any of the above symptoms, get
your blood sugar checked.
A Future with Diabetes
While it’s true that there is no cure for diabetes, you
or your loved ones don’t have to suffer with this progressive disease.
People living with diabetes can lead an active, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle,
and the Capital Region Diabetes Management Center will provide you with the
support to do so.
Contact Us
Call the Diabetes Management Center at 573-632-5090 for more
information.