Are You At Risk For Diabetes?

Diabetes Risk

The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services is reminding people to recognize their risk for developing pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes and encouraging them to visit their local health provider to get tested. Seventy-five percent of people with diabetes show no symptoms, so the best way to find out if you have diabetes or are at risk to develop diabetes is to get tested.

"There is no cure for diabetes, but people can live well if it is diagnosed early," said Dr. Sheri Johnson, State Health Officer. "Early diagnosis and treatment of Type 2 diabetes can prevent serious problems caused by high blood sugars."

Diabetes is a serious but controllable disease that affects the way your body uses food, and if left untreated, it can slowly damage blood vessels and nerves with no warning. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not make enough insulin, or it may not be able to use the insulin as it normally should. Medications and insulin shots may be needed for treatment. Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Early detection is the best way to control and manage all types of diabetes.

If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider to be tested for diabetes:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Increased fatigue/irritability
• Blurry vision

Type 2 diabetes can be linked to family history, increasing age, lack of exercise and being overweight. If you are at risk for diabetes, you can try to prevent it by controlling your blood sugar levels through exercising regularly, eating a diet low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables and keeping your weight under control.

To help people reduce their risk of getting diabetes, communities can help promote healthier environments by:

• Asking restaurants, school lunch programs, vending companies, and work-place cafeterias to offer healthy food choices

• Working with grocery stores and markets to increase fruit and vegetable options and consumption

• Promoting programs to expand community physical activity opportunities
• Educating the community about diabetes prevention