November is Diabetes Awareness Month

An estimated 23.6 million adults and children in the United States have diabetes, one quarter of which are currently undiagnosed.

With so many people affected by this disease, the American Diabetes Association sponsors American Diabetes Month every November to promote awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of early diagnosis and proper control. Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action or both.

Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death; however, once diagnosed, steps may be taken to control the disease and lower the risk of complications. For many, diagnosis may not come until seven to ten years after the onset of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and amputations.

There are several types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, or juvenile-onset diabetes, happens when the body’s immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells, the only cells in the body that regulate blood glucose by producing insulin. This form of diabetes usually affects children and young adults who, once diagnosed, must have insulin delivered by injection or a pump.

Type 2 diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes, begins as insulin resistance, a disorder in which cells do not use insulin properly. As the need for insulin rises, the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce it. This form of diabetes is usually associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity and race or ethnicity.
Many people with Type 2 diabetes can control their blood glucose by following a healthy meal plan and exercise program, losing excess weight and taking medication, although some people may also need insulin to control their blood sugar.

Gestational diabetes is another form of glucose intolerance, diagnosed during pregnancy. This occurs more frequently among African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians and among women who are obese or who have a family history of diabetes. This type of diabetes requires treatment to normalize maternal blood glucose levels to avoid complications in the infant. Immediately after pregnancy, 5 to 10 percent of women with gestational diabetes are found to have diabetes. Those who have had gestational diabetes have a 40 to 60 percent chance of developing diabetes in the next 5 to 10 years.

People who are overweight, under active or over the age of 45 should consider themselves at risk for developing diabetes. African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and people who have a family history of diabetes are at an even higher risk.

If you have any of the mentioned risk factors, contact the Marion Regional Healthcare System today. Marion Regional Healthcare System and SC DHEC have partnered together to provide the following programs:

· Five Part Self management classes instructed by SC DHEC Diabetes Educators

· Seasonal diabetes support groups and screenings

· Free community programs on diabetes and healthy living

· Home health consultation by SC DHEC Certified Diabetes Educator