November: American Diabetes Month

By Katie DeLong

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November is American Diabetes Month. About 21 million Americans have diabetes, but at least six million don’t know they have it. According to the Centers For Disease Control, it is estimated that another 41 million Americans have pre-diabetes. Early detection is important to prevent the complications of diabetes. QUESTION: WHY SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED ABOUT DIABETES? Diabetes is not just affecting adults. More children are being diagnosed with diabetes than ever before. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness, stroke, kidney failure, heart attack and amputations. When detected early and treated correctly, diabetes can be controlled and the complications avoided or at least delayed. Early diagnosis can save your life, so it is important to know the risks and what you should do to prevent or control diabetes. Take this quiz and see how much you know! DIABETES QUIZ: 1. Which of the following increase the risk for diabetes? a) being overweight b) little exercise c) abdominal fat d) lack of sleep ANSWERS: a, b, c, d 2. Which waist measurement predicts a low risk for diabetes? a) women 28 inches b) women 35 inches c) men 36 inches d) men 40 inches ANSWERS: a, c 3. What are warning signs you may have diabetes? a) blurry vision b) memory problems c) frequent infections d) very thirsty ANSWERS: a, b, c, d 4. What is considered a normal blood sugar level? a) 100mg b) 110 mg c) 126mg d) 140mg ANSWER: a 5. Diabetes increases the risk of which of these? a) gum disease b) heart attack c) Alzheimer’s disease d) kidney disease ANSWERS: a, b, c, d The guidelines for blood sugar levels have changed. In the past, anything under 140mg was considered normal, but at 140mg, damage can already take place to cells and organs. Here are the new blood sugar guidelines: BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS: Normal: under 100mg Impaired Glucose Tolerance: 100mg – 110mg Pre-diabetes: 111mg – 125mg Diabetes: over 125mg