November is Diabetes Awareness Month
Print
EmailAre you aware of the risk factors that might indicate you have diabetes?
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death and when left uncontrolled it can lead to many serious side effects, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and nerve damage.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 38 million people in the United States have diabetes. That is over 11 percent of Americans. With that, the rate in Michigan is even higher. Over 12 percent of Michigan adults are living with diabetes. Statistics for prediabetes are higher yet. In the United States 97 million adults are estimated to have prediabetes. In Michigan it is close to 2.7 million individuals.
How can you tell if you have prediabetes or diabetes?
Start by taking the diabetes risk test. If you score in the high risk category, share the results with your health care provider and make an appointment to get tested. According to the CDC, some of the factors that may indicate you have diabetes include:
- Having prediabetes
- Being age 45 or older
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Being overweight
- Women who had gestational diabetes, or who gave birth to a baby weighing nine pounds or more at birth
If you have even one of these risk factors or score slightly lower on the diabetes risk test, you may have prediabetes. Your health care provider can diagnose this condition after reviewing certain blood tests. Get tested if you have symptoms or concerns. With proper lifestyle changes and treatment, you can lead a healthy life.
For more information on diabetes, or to locate a diabetes workshop in your community visit Michigan State University Extension.
