One in three adults in the US have pre-diabetes; 90% of them do not know it! One in four adults over 65 years old have diabetes!
Diabetes affects 30.3 million Americans or 9.4% of our total population. 90-95% of that is Type 2 Diabetes! There are 1.5 million new cases of diabetes every year. Diabetes costs the United States economy $327 billion in 2017, $237 billion in direct medical costs and $90 billion per year in reduced productivity…..All for a disease which can be prevented or well managed with simple changes in lifestyle.
Why do we care?
Poorly managed diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, kidney failure and amputations in adults. Both pre-diabetes and diabetes are leading causes of heart attack and stroke. IF this disease is prevented OR well managed, it is the leading cause of NOTHING!
Are you at risk for pre-diabetes or diabetes?
YES if any of the following are true for you:
- You have a Body Mass Index over 25 kg/m2
- You are over 45 years of age
- You have a parent, brother or sister with type 2 Diabetes
- You are physically active less than 3 times/week
- You ever had gestational diabetes, OR gave birth to a baby over 9 lbs
- You are of certain ethnicities: Afican American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander, Asian American
What can you do to prevent diabetes or manage it if you have it?
- See a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist to find out what you can do to make eat a healthier diet.
- Start eating more vegetables, beans and lentils, and whole grains–check out cooking 101 on this blog for lots of diabetes friendly recipes!
- Cut down on refined carbs (white flour products, white rice, peeled potatoes)
- Cut down on sugar (soda pop, fruit juices, candy, desserts)
- Start moving more–physical activity/exercise lowers blood glucose.
- Find an activity that you like to do and will do on a regular basis.
- Talk with your health care provider to find out if you are a candidate for medication to help control blood glucose.
