About Diabetes

About Diabetes
Diabetes Management Center
Diabetes Management Team
Glucose Monitoring
Diabetes Support Services
Location and Map
Links
Contact Us

What is Diabetes?
Risk Factors
Symptoms
A Future with Diabetes

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.