November is American Diabetes Month. The American Diabetes Association notes nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Another 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $245 billion each year.
Maria Skubal is a Community Health Specialist at the Oneida County Health Department.
"......Type 1 is when the body produces little or no insulin. Type 2 Diabetes is when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't make enough insulin. Here in Oneida county about nine percent of residents have Diabetes...."
Skubal says lifestyle changes can prevent people getting Type 2 diabetes...
"...to just stay active an incorporate more physical activity into your life. Control your weight. Obesity is a big factor to developing Diabetes. So eating healthy foods, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, things like that. Staying away from the sugary drinks or transfats, things like that..."
Skubal says Diabetes can cause heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, amputations of feet or legs. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections, while Type 2 diabetes is treated with diet and exercise, medications and occasionally injections.
Type 2 can often be prevented by exercising, lowering carbohydrate intake and eating better and avoiding tobacco. Contact your physician if you have concerns.
More information is on theAmerican Diabetes Association website.
