National Diabetes Awareness Month
The daylight has shortened and cooler weather is making its way to Brevard County. There certainly is a lot going on during the month of November. Did you also know that November is National Diabetes Month? For the duration of November, health care professionals and the average person can dedicate themselves to awareness, maintenance, and, most importantly, prevention of this disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, over 9 percent of the population, roughly 30 million people, have diabetes. Those diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, both children and adults, make up 1.25 million cases. These statistics are staggering. It is also likely that of the over 30 million cases, over 7 million are not diagnosed as of yet. Prediabetes is also on the rise. The ADA estimates that there are 84 million cases in adults age 18 and over. This is most certainly a nationwide crisis and for those who are overweight and/or obese, the condition is on the rise. This makes losing the extra weight a priority. Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute wants our patients to thrive. The decision to undergo bariatric surgery is not one to be taken lightly and this is why our staff of professionals is here to answer your questions and help you on the road to success.
Glucose, or sugar, is your body’s number one energy source. It is needed to assist your body at the cellular level. A hormone secreted by the pancreas, insulin, is used to assist glucose make is way into the cells of your body and then be used appropriately. Some people do not make insulin while others do not make or use it appropriately. This condition is known as Diabetes and comes in a few different forms.
Diabetes occurs when there is too much glucose in the blood. Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the body does not make insulin. Insulin, a hormone created by the pancreas, is needed to control blood glucose levels. Without insulin, the body cannot utilize blood glucose properly. This condition is usually diagnosed in children or young adults, and it causes the body to wage war on the cells that make insulin resulting in excess blood sugar levels. Those suffering from Type 1 Diabetes need insulin daily to help control the glucose in their bodies.
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body is not utilizing the insulin it makes well or has problems creating it. This type is usually diagnosed in adults, although children can suffer from this condition as well. While it is not entirely known why, people who are overweight are more susceptible to developing Type 2 Diabetes and this is why weight management is so important to your health. A Diabetes diagnosis carries with it many additional complications.
Those who are diagnosed with Diabetes are at a higher risk for heart disease, kidney disease, eye and foot problems, damage nerves, stroke, and dental problems. Weight is not the only reason behind a Type 2 diagnosis. Age, ethnicity, genetic components, and familial history also play a role.
Over the course of our next few blogs, we will be delving deeper into Type 2 Diabetes and the things you can do the help prevent this disease. If you already have a diagnosis, we will be discussing things you can to do help keep your blood glucose numbers down and keep your body in a maintenance phase. Please, know your numbers. Check with your primary health provider and know where you stand.