How Many People are Affected by Diabetes?

Diabetes is a medical condition that should not go untreated. According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million adults and children living in the United States have diabetes, but 7 million of those individuals have not been diagnosed with the disease. More than 170 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes worldwide.

People under the age of 20 are least likely to suffer from diabetes than those over the age of 20. In fact, 25.6 million of the adults who have diabetes are over the age of 20.

Who is Affected by Diabetes?

Do not think that you are too young, or too old to have diabetes. This disease can affect all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Diabetes can affect children and adults, both male and female. In 2012, there was a 1 percent difference between men and women over the age of 20 who had diabetes; more men were diagnosed with diabetes than women.

Of the cases of diabetes that were reported in the United States, 12.6 percent were non-Hispanic blacks; 7.1 percent were non-Hispanic whites; 11.8 percent were Hispanic; and 8.4 percent were Asian, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Symptoms of Diabetes

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Types of Diabetes

According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are three common types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.

To learn more about these and other types diabetes and their causes, click here.

Causes of Diabetes

Diabetes has affected people in the United States and throughout Europe in epic proportions. There are various factors that can offset diabetes. If you suffer from Type 1 diabetes, your causes are more likely to be genetic. If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, your causes are generally environmental, such as obesity. If you are pregnant, you could have gestational diabetes.

For more details on the causes of diabetes, please click the link below.

After You Have Been Diagnosed with Diabetes

You will need to make significant lifestyle changes after you have been diagnosed with this serious medical condition. This includes testing your blood sugar levels on a daily basis. You have the ability to check your sugar levels on your own, in the privacy of your home; however, testing with your doctor will need to be done as well.

You will need to see your doctor various times throughout the year for check-ups and testing. You need to take the A1C test every 3 to 6 months. You want your A1C level to range from 6.5 – 7 percent.

Each time you visit with the doctor, your blood pressure and weight is taken and recorded. If you have any lifestyle changes, you need to discuss them with your doctor during your visits. Your doctor will also review the medication and supplements you are currently taking to determine if any changes need to be made.

Treating Diabetes

There are options available for those suffering from diabetes. The type of diabetes you are diagnosed with will determine your treatment options. Some forms of this disease will require you to monitor your sugar, in addition to taking insulin and oral medications.

If you have Type 1 diabetes, you will rely on insulin to survive. You will be able to inject insulin into your body through a needle, pump, pen or syringe. While it is not common to take insulin with Type 2 diabetes, it is not unheard of. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your doctor will let you know if insulin therapy is necessary.

Diabetes Reversal 

If you have Type 2 diabetes you can “reverse” the disease through healthy lifestyle changes. Your exercising and eating habits have the ability to turn your diabetes around, according to WebMD. Weight loss has the ability to stop this disease from progressing. Losing between 5 and 10 percent of your body weight can be done through your diet and by exercising for at least 150 minutes each week. You should be aware that losing the excess weight helps you control your blood sugar levels, but you must continue this lifestyle, even after you discontinue your diabetes medication.

Preventing Diabetes

Although there is no cure for diabetes, there are preventative measures that you can take. The more at risk you are to diabetes, the more cautious you should be; however, you should maintain a healthy lifestyle at all times.

Some of the ways you can prevent diabetes are:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Understand diabetes
• Research your family’s diabetic history
• Remain physically active (Exercise can improve your blood flow.)
• Prepare meals that are low in sugars and fats
• Increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables that you take in
• Monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis
• Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor

Following these preventative measures are critical because diabetes is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States

Surround Yourself with a Support System

You will face difficult times, which is why you will need a great support system. If you do not have anyone to talk to within your family, there are support groups available for you to join. You also have the option to speak with a mental health professional. Ask your doctor for a listing of professionals or support groups near your home. Remember that you are not alone, and you always have support available.

References

“Diabetes.” Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/DS01121.   Accessed on August 1, 2013.

“Diabetic Basics.” American Diabetes Association. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/?loc=GlobalNavDB. Accessed on August 1, 2013.

“Types of Diabetes.” International Diabetes Federation. Retrieved from http://www.idf.org/types-diabetes/. Accessed on August 1, 2013.

“Diabetes Information.” Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.pamf.org/diabetes/whatis/. Accessed on August 7, 2013.

“Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?” WebMD. Retrieved from http://diabetes.webmd.com/features/reversing-type-2-diabetes.   Accessed on August 7, 2013.