Diabetes: The Ultimate Contributor
The number of people diagnosed with Diabetes has been rising significantly
over the past few years. According the CDC (Center for Disease Control),
over 300,000 Arizonans had been diagnosed with Diabetes by 2005. In 1997,
the number was 100,000.
Diabetes is essentially the body's inability to process sugars. Whether because of a lack of insulin produced in the body, or an insulin resistance in which the cells of the body do not use insulin properly. Diabetes is the leading cause of Kidney failure, non-traumatic amputations, and new onset blindness. Diabetics are also 2 to 4 times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.
There are several ways you can help protect a diabetic family member:
- Controlled Blood Pressure
Properly controlled Blood Pressure can reduce your risks for heart disease and stroke by as much as 33-50%, and reduce the decline in kidney function by 30-70%.
- Lowering Cholesterol
Controlled Cholesterol can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases by 20-50%
- Regular Doctors Visits
Regular check-ups with your doctor, along with blood tests, can help prevent complications leading to amputations, or detect and correct concerns regarding the vision and the nervous system.
- Medication Compliance
Controlling your blood sugar levels is vital to reducing your risks of microvascular complications (kidney, eyes, nervous system).
With a healthy diet, moderate exercise, and following your doctors orders, you can control Diabetes, instead of letting Diabetes control you.
© 2008 Good News Tucson™
