Type 2 Diabetes—Screening And Management (NAPSA)—According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 21 million Americans—approximately 7 percent of the U.S. population—have < NE NN es \\ diabetes, and more than 6 million of those people do not know they have the disease. In addition, another 41 million people are estimated to have prediabetes, a condition that, if left untreated, can evolve into type 2 diabetes. When diabetes is not treated properly, it can lead to serious health complications. These include: Blindness or other vision problems; Kidney diseaseor failure; Nerve damageandloss offingers or toes; and Heart attack or stroke. Are You At Risk? The risk of developing diabetes increases with age and if you have a family history of the disease. The other significant risk factor is being overweight or obese. Because it is possible to have diabetes and not have anyvisible signs or obvious symptoms, it is important to be screened if you are at risk. Screening For Diabetes There are two blood tests that can be used to check the levels of sugar in yourblood. If these tests show you have high blood sugar, talk with your doctor about the best way to manage your condition. According to Dr. Guillermo Umpierrez, associate professor of medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine and chair of the Diabetes Task Force of The Hormone Foundation, “Patients, Millions of Americans have dia- betes or are at risk, so regular screening for the diseaseis vital. now more than ever, have an opportunity to get a head start to stave off the disease by getting screened and adopting a healthy lifestyle.” Managing Diabetes If tests show you have prediabetes, this is your chance to prevent diabetes and the health complications that come with it. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are often enough to get your blood sugar levels back to normal. Many people with diabetes can manage their disease by adopting a healthylifestyle, but if your condition is more serious, your doctor may recommend that you take oral medicationsor insulin. Having diabetes requires that you take care of yourself every day. This means monitoring your blood sugar andincluding somephysical activity and a healthy diet regularly into yourlife. It’s also important to avoid alcohol and smoking, and follow the prescribed treatment from yourdoctor. For diabetes resources and to find an endocrinologist (a diabetes specialist), visit The Hormone Foundation at www.hormone.org.
