Diabetes is on the Rise:
Take Control with St. Francis
Diabetes has suddenly become one of the fastest growing and most serious health problems in America today, affecting millions of children and adults, half of those being women. And, there are many more that are unaware they are even at risk.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and can affect people of all ages, resulting from a combination of inherited factors, such as genetics and race, and controllable factors, such as obesity and lack of exercise. With type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin, disrupting its ability to change food into energy. Because of this, the sugar levels build up in the blood increasing the risk of serious complications, such as heart disease, loss of vision, nerve damage, and kidney failure. It is also the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
What are the early symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be subtle. One of the first symptoms may be an increase in thirst, which will often be accompanied by dry mouth, increased appetite, frequent urination and unusual weight loss or gain. Other red flags may include headaches, blurred vision, fatigue, cuts that heal slowly, yeast infections and itchy skin.
What can I do to prevent Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is often preventable. Eating a healthy diet, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and talking with your physician to be screened for pre-diabetes are all great ways to lower your risk. To learn more about preventing type 2 diabetes, please read our resources on Diabetes Prevention and Nutrition Tips.
What if I've already been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes?
St. Francis offers comprehensive diabetes care with teams that consist of specially-trained nurses, exercise physiologists, dieticians and therapists, working together to design a lifestyle plan and fitness program just for you! Services also include an educational program for those living with diabetes, a diabetes foot care program and a gestational diabetes program. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor for a referral to our program.
