| About 16 million Americans have diabetes, but only
half know it. That's bad news because people with uncontrolled diabetes are at risk for
complications, such as heart disease, kidney failure and blindness. The reason so many people are in the dark about diabetes is that the earliest
symptoms are easy to miss.
What is diabetes?
In diabetes, the body isn't able to use blood sugar, called glucose, properly. It happens
when insulin, the hormone that processes glucose, doesn't work right, leaving extra sugar
in the blood.
Control diabetes or prevent it
 If you have diabetes, these steps will help you control blood sugar levels.
And if you don't have diabetes, they may help you keep the disease away for good.
- Lose excess weight. If your doctor says you're above your ideal
weight, start following a weight-loss plan that takes off no more than two pounds a week.
Losing weight may prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. And some people with diabetes
find that losing weight is all they need to do to get blood sugar levels normal again and
reduce or even avoid medication. Overweight or not, all diabetics must follow an eating
plan designed to control blood sugar levels.
- Exercise. Exercise is another important key to blood sugar control.
That's because active muscles use up more glucose for energy, leaving less glucose in the
bloodstream. Physical activity also helps cells use insulin better.
Don't let diabetes take you by surprise. See your doctor for regular
checkups and discuss screening for the disease. If your blood sugar levels are high,
follow your doctor's orders and take the steps discussed above to enjoy the best possible
health.
If you have diabetes but haven't received your personal diabetes
care card, ask your primary care provider or diabetes educator for one. Fill it out and
tuck it in your wallet. In case of emergency, those attending to you will know you have
diabetes and adjust care accordingly. This card will also help you keep track of future
appointments.
Do you know the signs of diabetes?
Report any of these early warning signs of diabetes to your doctor.
- Unusual tiredness or drowsiness
- Frequent urination
- Extreme thirst
- Unexplained weight loss even though you may be eating more
- Recurrent or hard-to-heal-infections
- Blurry vision from time to time, sudden loss of vision in either eye
or seeing black spots
- Slow healing of sores
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
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