Diabetes Prevention

Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Almost 11 million men and 10 million women over the age of 20 have diabetes, although nearly one third of them do not know it. The prevalence of diabetes is at least 2 to 4 times higher among non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian and the Asian/Pacific Islander populations compared to non-Hispanic white men and women. Having diabetes puts one at risk for a whole host of complications which are a result of the disease.

Complications of diabetes include: heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, amputation, skin disorders, gastrointestinal problems, depression and sexual dysfunction.

WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors play a role. There are four major types of diabetes-type 1, type 2, gestational and prediabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in the US. Type 2 diabetes occurs when body cells become insulin resistant (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin) and/or insulin deficient (body fails to produce adequate insulin).

WHO IS AT RISK FOR DIABETES?

• Age (those > than 45 years)
• Overweight (BMI > 25 or > 23 if Asian American or > 26 if Pacific Islander)
• High blood pressure (>140/90 mm/Hg)
• Abnormal cholesterol levels (HDL < 40 mg/dL for men, HDL < 50 mg/dL for women; or triglycerides > 250 mg/dL)
• Family history (parent, brother or sister with diabetes)
• Ethnicity (African-American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, or Pacific Islander heritage)
• History of gestational diabetes (given birth to baby weighing > than 9 pounds).
• Inactive lifestyle (exercise < than 3 times per week)

WHO SHOULD GET TESTED FOR DIABETES?

• Anyone older than 45, who is overweight should be tested every three years.
• Anyone younger than 45 who is overweight and who has any of the above risk factors should also be tested every three years.

HOW CAN I GET TESTED FOR DIABETES?

• Talk to your McKinley Health Care provider if you would like to be tested.

CAN DIABETES BE PREVENTED?

• Yes. Results from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Diabetes Prevention Program demonstrated that type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through lifestyle modification.

HOW CAN I PREVENT DIABETES?

• Lose 5-7% of body weight if you are overweight
• Follow a low fat meal plan
• Get active (at least 30 minutes per day, 5 times per week)

* You can make an appointment to see a Certified Diabetes Educator and/or Fitness Educator if you need help developing a lifestyle modification program to prevent diabetes by calling 333-2714 or 244-0261.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

• National Diabetes Education Program, search for diabetes prevention information
• American Diabetes Association, search for diabetes prevention information
• American Association of Diabetes Educators, search for diabetes prevention information
• Your Guide to Diet and Diabetes – U of I Extension Office

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