March 27th is Diabetes Alert Day—a day to bring awareness to the dangers of diabetes. Over 30 million Americans have diabetes. Diabetes occurs when your blood glucose (blood sugar) reaches a fasting level higher than 126. Fasting levels between 100 to 125 are considered pre-diabetes.
Risk factors for diabetes include the following:
- Being overweight
- Aged 45 or older
- Family history of diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- History of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
- Ethnic background—diabetes is more common in African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Alaska natives
- Women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Symptoms of Diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes to be aware of include excessive thirst and increased urination, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, slow healing wounds, tingling in hands and feet, or infections along the gumline and bones of your mouth.
Take the Diabetes Risk Test to see if you are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. The earlier you recognize your risk, the sooner you can make lifestyle changes that can lower the likelihood of developing diabetes.
If you or a loved one needs help managing and understanding your diabetes, contact Severino Health Advisors today!
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