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Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to turn sugar and other food into energy.

There are two types of Diabetes. Type 1 is known as Juvenile Diabetes because it typically occurs in infants and children under 18. It can be passed from parent to child.

Type 2 is known as Adult Onset Diabetes because it typically occurs later in life and is often associated with abdominal fat and poor diet.

Risk factors:

• Older age
• Obesity (in adults and children)
• Family history of the disease
• History of Gestational Diabetes (during pregnancy)
• Impaired glucose tolerance
• Lack of physical activity and exercise
• Higher risk among African Americans and Hispanics

Signs & Symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst or extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Increased fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurry vision
• Poor circulation (especially in legs and feet)
• Wounds that do not heal properly

Prevention:

• Increase physical activity
• Eat plenty of fiber, fruits and vegetables
• Choose whole grains over white flour
• Limit your intake of processed foods
• Reduce your sugar intake
• Loose that extra weight
• Stop smoking