Over 32 million people have diabetes. More than a quarter of people with diabetes.. don’t know they have it.
American Diabetes Association Alert Day® is a "wake-up call" asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, the most common type. It's time to learn your risk for type 2 diabetes. Take the Diabetes Risk Test now at http://diabetes.org/takethetest.
A healthy life style can help prevent diabetes. The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends 2.5 hours of physical activity for adults each week and 1 hour of physical activity for children each day. Nutrition is important as well. A healthy diet contributes to a healthy body inside and out. To learn about food choices that help prevent or manage diabetes, click here.
If you or someone you know was just diagnosed or needs support in managing their diabetes, Prairie Lakes offers a free Diabetes Support Group. All are welcome, but issues addressed are more targeted for people with type 1 diabetes. The next session at Prairie Lakes is April 9th at 6 p.m.; it will cover cardiac and pulmonary health. Children, families, and adults are welcome to attend. Pre-register here.
What do the different types of diabetes mean?
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. Only 5% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes your body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time it isn't able to keep up and can't make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels.