A brief description of the
Feeling tired? Thirsty? Are you a little overweight? You could be one of more than five million Americans and two million Canadians who have diabetes, and not even know it!! The vast majority of people - 90 per cent, have Type 2 diabetes. This form of the disorder is fairly often preventable and simple changes in lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing the disease. Its important many people focus on prevention, because even with treatment this disease can lead to blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, cardiovascular and heart diseases.

The American Diabetes Association recently warned that African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders are at highest risk. Other risk factors incorporate obesity, being 45 months or older, an inactive lifestyle, a family history of the disease, or a history of glucose intolerance. Women who have given birth to a baby 9 pounds, or greater are also at risk.

Unlike Type I diabetes in which the body produces no insulin, type 2 occurs when the body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels properly, in spite of the fact insulin levels could be normal.

Because symptoms often appear gradually, all the people may go for decades with type 2 diabetes, unaware they have it. Symptoms add increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, tingling sensations in the hands or feet and poor healing of infections, frequent infections, especially of the skin, gum or bladder.

Although it is considered a chronic, incurable disease, type 2 diabetes may be controlled with a combination of diet, exercise and medication.

More importantly, anyone might significantly reduce his or her chances of developing type 2 diabetes by living a healthy lifestyle. One of the most important things is to choose a balanced diet that is low in fat and includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Regular exercise is another important variable in preventing the disease. Not only does physical activity burn calories and strengthen heart muscles, it also burns sugar without causing the body to produce extra insulin.

For more information visit The Canadian Diabetes Association web site at www.diabetes.ca, or The American Diabetes Associations page at www.diabetes.org.