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Diabetes- A Growing Epidemic:
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects as many as 16 million Americans. For reasons that are not yet clear, diabetes is increasing in our population to the point where public health authorities are calling diabetes an "epidemic" that requires urgent attention. People with diabetes are unable to use the glucose in their food for energy. The glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, where it can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves
WHAT CAUSES DIABETES?
Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death, but people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications. It's important to also be aware of the different myths that over the years have arisen about the causes of diabetes. Eating sweets or the wrong kind of food does not cause diabetes. However, it may cause obesity and this is associated with people developing Type 2 diabetes. Stress does not cause diabetes, although it may be a trigger for the body turning on itself as in the case of Type 1 diabetes. It does, however, make the symptoms worse for those who already have diabetes. Diabetes is not contagious. Someone with diabetes cannot pass it on to anyone else.
LEADING CAUSES OF DIABETES:
Ø High Blood Pressure
Ø High Fat Diet
Ø High Alcohol Intake
Ø Sedentary Lifestlye
Treatment If you or someone you know has Diabetes, they would be wise to make healthful lifestyle choices in diet, exercise and other health habits. These will help to improve glycemic (blood sugar) control and prevent or minimize complications of Diabetes. Eating a consistent, well- balanced diet, that is high in fiber, low in concentrated sweets. Regular exercise, in any form can help reduce the risk of developing Diabetes. Activity can also reduce the risk of Heart Disease, Stroke, Kidney Failure, Blindness and Foot or Leg Ulcers.
Facts from the American Diabetes Association
1. At least 15% of all people with diabetes eventually develop foot problems.
2. Diabetes accounts for more than 187,000 deaths and nearly 60,000 foot and leg amputations annually.
3. Approximately six out of 1,000 people with diabetes will require either foot or leg amputations.
THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO BE YOU!!
* Keep regular appointments with your Total Foot and Ankle of Tampa Bay Podiatrists to help prevent these problems from happening to you. * |
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PLEASE BRING IN YOUR SHOES !!!
 | | SHOEDRIVE UPDATE! |
Thanks to everyone who has continued to support our shoe drive. We have now collected over 600 pairs of shoes! Since we have not yet achieved our goal of 1000 pairs of shoes we will be continuing our shoe drive into 2011! Please help those less fortunate by bringing your new or gently worn shoes to our office. We are donating the shoes to Sunrise Pasco to help women and children who are victims of domestic violence. (We are accepting men's shoes as well.) |
