November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

Are you, or someone you love, at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes? Is it possible to have diabetes and not know it?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

Some people with Type 2 diabetes have obvious symptoms but many do not. It could be 7 to 10 years before they are diagnosed. The American Diabetes Association estimates that nearly one-third of all people with diabetes (over 6 million) don't even know they have it.

To find out your risk for Type 2 diabetes, check each item that applies to you.

q I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.

q My family background is Alaska Native, American Indian, African American, Hispanic/Latino American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.

q I have had gestational diabetes, or I gave birth to at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds.

q My blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher, or I have been told that I have high blood pressure.

q My cholesterol levels are not normal. My HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) is below 35 mg/dL, or my triglyceride level is above 150 mg/dL.

q I am fairly inactive. I exercise fewer than three times a week.

q I have polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS (women only).

q I am overweight.

q I have a history of cardiovascular disease.

The more items you checked, the higher your risk. Yet, Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed. In a recent study, people greatly reduced their risk for Type 2 diabetes by eating less than usual, increasing their physical activity, and losing weight. Simply by cutting down on fat, cutting back on calories, or taking a brisk walk about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week you can stay healthy.

Finding out you or someone you love has diabetes is scary. But don't panic. Diabetes is serious, but people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives.

Talk to your physician about your risk factors today. Be informed. Bonner General Hospital's Diabetes Education Program has a team of certified diabetes educators, dieticians, and register nurses that can teach you how to prevent and manage diabetes.

They offer small group classes, individual assessments, and even grocery store tours that can help you make smart decisions for you and your family. Give them a call at 265-1116 for more information.