November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to talk about the ways to prevent and manage diabetes.
More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, and an additional 84 million people in the U.S. are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This November, Tulsa ER & Hospital is shining a light on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while living with diabetes.
Breaking it Down
There are two main kinds of diabetes, type 1 and type 2:
Type 1 is the most common form of diabetes in people under the age of 30 and makes up 10 percent of all cases. Type 1 occurs when beta cells, the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas, are damaged. The pancreas makes little to no insulin with type 1 diabetes, so sugar cannot be used as energy. Because of this, people with type 1 must use insulin injections to control their blood glucose.
Type 2 diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes, occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the insulin does not work properly. This type is found most often in people 40 years and older and makes up for 9 out of 10 cases of all diabetes. Type 2 can usually be controlled with a combination of weight management, diet, and exercise, but medications or insulin injections may also be necessary.
Other types of diabetes may result from pregnancy (gestational diabetes), surgery, the use of certain medications, or various illnesses.
Possible long-term health complications of diabetes include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart Disease
- Nerve damage
- Kidney Disease
- Nerve damage in the eye and/or blindness
- Stroke
- Skin infections
- Peripheral vascular disease
Warning Signs
Prediabetes is a condition in which a person doesn’t have diabetes yet, but their blood glucose levels are higher than average. Someone with prediabetes and high glucose levels is not only at risk for developing diabetes, but also heart disease
The following warning signs and symptoms of diabetes are found in both men and women:
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Excessive thirst and hunger
- Frequent urination
- Skin infections
- Weight loss or gain
- Slow-healing wounds
- Fruity, sweet, or acetone breath odor
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Darkening of skin in areas of the body creases
We Can Help
If you or a loved one needs to get tested for diabetes, or are experiencing a diabetic emergency, visit Tulsa ER & Hospital for assistance. Our in-house laboratory services provide same-day results to ensure the most efficient diagnosis and effective treatment for our patients.
No matter what type of medical emergency may arise, our highly-trained staff is here for you. Stop by our premier facility at 717 W 71st St. S for unbeatable care.
Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Tulsa ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.
Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Tulsa ER & Hospital or any of our concierge-level, medical facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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