Diabetes starts and you never know it. You can be going along thinking everything is great and you never even suspect you have this disease. You are unaware that it is already causing health problems for you.
You could have what is know as pre-diabetes. You may not be aware that your blood sugar is slowly increasing. You may have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sweating. Perhaps the doctor is treating you for these symptoms and you have no other indications that diabetes is getting a hold on you!
4% to 6% of people in America who have pre-diabetes go on to full blown, Type II diabetes. If you have pre-diabetes, you can easily get Type II diabetes, especially if you have any other risk factors. Look at the risk factors and see if any apply to you:
* Are you overweight?
* Do you have a family history of the disease?
* How old are you? The older you get the more at risk you are.
* What race are you? Some races are more prone to develop Type II diabetes. Are you an African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders, then you are at a greater risk of developing Type II diabetes?
* Do you have Metabolic Syndrome?
What can you do to prevent pre-diabetes from developing into full blown diabetes, Type II diabetes? You can
* Lose weight.
* Get more exercise.
* Eat foods that are good for you.
* Stop eating sugar and sugary foods.
* Stop drinking sodas.
* Stop smoking.
* See a doctor.
That brings me to the last item on the additional risk factors. You probably have never heard the word, Metabolic Syndrome. Neither had I until my doctor sent me to take a test called an A1C test. Then she promptly informed me that I had it, Metabolic Syndrome! It can cause pre-diabetes to develop into Type II diabetes and you will never know it until you have Type II diabetes and are taking insulin pills like me!
I figure you should know the symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome. Here they are
* Do you have an elevated waist circumference? Is you waist 40 inches or more if you area a man? Is your waist 35 inches or more if you area a woman?
* Do you have elevated levels of triglycerides? Is the reading 150 mg/dl or higher? Are you taking medication for high triglycerides?
* Do you have low levels of HDL (good ) cholesterol? Is it below 40mg/dl if you are a man or below 50mg/dl if you are a woman? Are you taking cholesterol medication?
* Do you have elevated blood pressure levels? Is it 130mm HG or higher for your systolic pressure? Is it 85mm HG or higher for your diastolic pressure? Are you taking blood pressure medication?
* Do you have elevated fasting blood glucose levels? Are your levels 100 mg/dl or higher? Are you taking medication for elevated fasting blood glucose levels?
If you are pre-diabetic, or have Metabolic Syndrome and have any additional risk factors, you need to start now and take preventative action to stop or halt this disease. Diabetes is a dreaded disease and has no known cure! If left unchecked or allowed to run rampant, it could affect your heart, kidneys, blood vessels, circulation, lungs, and eyes. You could end up having a with heart attack, a stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, loss of eyesight, nerve damage known as neuropathy, and a score of many other devastating complications including amputation or death!
If you have any chance to stop this disease in your body, start today. Go see your doctor and be tested. Begin a rigid diet of healthy foods and exercise. Lose weight. Do whatever you have to do to prevent any more damage to your body.
If you would like to read more about this disease and the complications, look at the American Diabetes website. It is loaded with very important information, including a healthy diet.
Author Resource:-
Hi, I am Lucy Peacock. I hold teaching credentials and math degree. I Love teaching and have been a teacher, writer and consultant. I stay busy to keep life interesting! If you want more info check the site wwwblogwithlucy.blogspot.com
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