Diabetes Alert Day is March 27 – a day to sound the alarm about the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of early death in Lake County.
Take the risk test to find out if you might be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. It takes less than a minute. Go to DoIHavePrediabetes.org.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a problem with your body that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise higher than normal. This is also called hyperglycemia. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
In type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, the pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time your pancreas isn’t able to keep up and can’t make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose levels normal. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:
- Right away, your cells may be starved for energy.
- Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.
Who is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you’re at risk for developing type 2 diabetes if you:
- Have prediabetes
- Are overweight
- Are 45 years or older
- Have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
- Are physically active less than 3 times a week
- Have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
- Are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, or Alaska Native (some Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans are also at higher risk)
How is type 2 diabetes treated?
Type 2 is treated with lifestyle changes, oral medications (pills), and insulin.
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes means you’re at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. 84 million Americans have prediabetes, and only 10 percent of them know they have it.
How is prediabetes treated?
Prediabetes can be reversed with simple things like diet and exercise.
What should I do if the test says I am at risk?
If you are at risk, talk to your doctor. If you do not have a doctor, the Health Department can help. Call (847) 377-8800 to schedule an appointment.
Where can I learn more?
The American Diabetes Association website is a great resource for information about diabetes. For more information about treatment options in Lake County, visit our Diabetes Prevention and Treatment web page.