The Facts:
According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2017, prepared by the CDC, here are some important facts about diabetes.
30.3 million people have diabetes – that’s 1 in 11 Americans
84 million are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes – 90% don’t know they have it
Medical costs for people with diabetes are 2.3 times greater than people without diabetes
Risk of death for adults with diabetes is 50% higher than for adults without diabetes
Types of Diabetes:
There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction that stops your body from making insulin. About 5% of the people with diabetes have type 1. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often develop quickly. It’s usually diagnosed in children, teens and young adults. Those with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to survive. Currently, no one knows how to prevent type 1 diabetes.
With type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t use insulin well and is unable to keep blood sugar at normal levels. Most people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. It develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults. You may not notice any symptoms, so it’s important to get your blood sugar tested if you’re at risk. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes.
Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes increases your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes, your baby could be at higher risk for health complications. Gestational diabetes is typically cured after your baby is born, but this increases your risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. Your baby is more likely to become obese as a child or teen, and more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
People that have diabetes are at a higher risk of serious health complications including stroke, blindness, kidney disease, heart disease and loss of toes, feet or legs.
Diabetes is a disease that can be managed and prevented if you know what to do. At Tria Health our pharmacists who are certified diabetes educators (CDEs). They educate patients on medication management, diet and exercise so patients with diabetes can live happy and active lives and reduce the risk of serious health complications. Find out more.
Stay tuned to our blog this month to learn tips for preventing type 2 diabetes, determine your personal risks and MORE!