November 15, 2014
Did you know that in 2012, approximately 29.1 million Americans (or 9.3% of the population) had diabetes? Of the 29.1 million, 21.0 million were diagnosed and 8.1 were undiagnosed.
What are some of the signs or symptoms of diabetes?
The most common symptoms of diabetes are:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Slow healing wounds
- Pain and/or numbness in hands or feet
If you are experiencing some of these signs or symptoms, you might want to talk to your doctor about checking for diabetes.
Myths About Diabetes
Test your knowledge about diabetes by answering true or false to the following statements.
- Diabetes is not that serious of a disease. FALSE! However, if diabetes is properly controlled, you can prevent or delay diabetes complications.
- If you are overweight or obese, you are at an increased risk for developing diabetes. TRUE! But this does not mean that you will absolutely develop it.
- People with diabetes cannot eat sweets or chocolate. FALSE! Though it is suggested that these types of foods be eaten in small portions and only on special occasions.
- Once a person is diagnosed with diabetes, they have to be on insulin right away. FALSE! Sometimes there are other ways to manage your diabetes. Be sure to keep regular check-ups with your provider, consider meeting with a dietitian or Certified Diabetes Educator (both available here at CHAS), join one of our Healthy Living with Diabetes Workshops, and aim to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Stay tuned for some amazing diabetic-friendly recipes coming next week…
by Keri Smith, CDE, registered dietitian at Valley Clinic
