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Diabetes affects about 30 million children and adults in the United States.  It is estimated that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes by the year 2050.  November is designated as American Diabetes Awareness Month.

Facts about diabetes:

  • People with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized for a heart attack or stroke.
  • Diabetes causes nearly 50% of all cases of kidney failure.
  • More than half of all amputations in adults occur in people with diabetes.
  • More than half a million American adults have advanced diabetic retinopathy, greatly increasing their risk for severe vision loss.
  • About 60-70 percent of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve damage that could result in pain in the feet or hands, slowed digestion, sexual dysfunction and other nerve problems.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

  • Urinating often
  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Blurry vision
  • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
  • Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1)
  • Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.  Early detection and treatment are the keys to prevent complications of diabetes.  More information on symptoms, treatments and living with diabetes are available from the American Diabetes Association.

For more great tips, visit our website.

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