30% of Diabetic Adult Americans Are Not Diagnosed
By Sandy Schroeder
Everyone knows someone who has diabetes, but what if it goes unnoticed? Surprisingly, 30 percent of American adults who have diabetes do not know they have it, according to the American Diabetes Association.
About 1 in 7 Americans dealt with diabetes from 2013 to 2016. Diagnosed diabetes was 9.7 percent and undiagnosed diabetes was 4.3 percent, according to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
I have known people who were totally absorbed with other problems in their life, and only discovered they had diabetes when their dentist spotted the symptoms.
Diabetes Symptoms
ADA says some individuals with type 2 diabetes have such mild symptoms that they go unnoticed.
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Always hungry
- Blurry vision
- Bruises and cuts that heal slowly
- Extreme tiredness
- Weight loss even when eating more (type 1)
- Pain, numbness or tingling in feet and hands (type 2)
Early Detection Reduces Complications
If you spot symptoms, the ADA advises seeing your doctor promptly to avoid complications. Testing should be done in a healthcare facility and you will receive fasting instructions to check blood glucose levels.
Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
Most diabetics have type 2 diabetes. About 5 percent have type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes - The body does not produce insulin, which is the hormone needed to get glucose from the bloodstream into body cells. With insulin therapy and other treatments, type 1 diabetics can manage their condition.
Type 2 diabetes - Hyperglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels are above normal and the body is not using insulin properly. When this insulin resistance starts, the pancreas makes extra insulin, but over time it can’t maintain the pace to keep blood glucose levels normal.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, early treatment could return your glucose levels to normal. Reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes by almost 60 percent with two key steps.
Exercise at a moderate level - Try brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, five days a week or moderate gym workouts three days a week.
Lose 7 percent of body weight - If you weigh 150 pounds you would need to lose 10.5 pounds. If you weigh 200 pounds, you would need to lose 15 pounds. If you lose some of the weight ADA says it will make a difference.
Wherever you are with the issue of diabetes, maintain regular checkups with your doctor and check out any new symptoms promptly.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Spring, Tex.