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![]() Diabetes |
Home | Health Matters | Chronic Disease Management | Diabetes Diabetes Diabetes is a group of diseases that affect the way your body uses blood glucose (blood sugar). It is caused by the body’s inability to produce or use insulin properly. Here’s how it works. Glucose provides your cells with the “fuel” they need to function properly. Glucose is normally delivered to cells through a hormone called insulin. However, if your body is unable to produce or use insulin properly, your cells don’t receive the glucose they need; instead that glucose is stored in your blood, causing your blood glucose levels to be too high. Over time, this causes the serious health problems that are associated with diabetes, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, blindness, foot damage and skin and mouth conditions. Types of Diabetes According to the American Diabetes Association, as of 2007, over 23 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. There are three types:
In addition, an estimated 57 million children and adults have “pre-diabetes.” This occurs when fasting blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes; however, early diagnosis and treatment may prevent the onset of the disease. According to the American Diabetes Association:
Risks for Diabetes While researchers do not know the exact cause of diabetes, there are some things that increase in individual’s risk for developing diabetes, including:
What You Can Do Whether you are at risk for diabetes, have pre-diabetes or have been diagnosed, there are steps you can take to improve your health and quality of life.
If your annual myhealthIQ results indicate you are at risk for or suffering from diabetes, we encourage you to learn more about the Health Matters Lifestyle Management program; if you are invited to join our Chronic Disease Management program, enroll. Also, learn all you can about your condition. These websites provide detailed information:
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