Type 2 diabetes is called a silent killer because many people don’t know they have the disease until serious complications arise.
Undiagnosed and untreated diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, blindness, amputations and even death.
According to national data, one in 10 American adults has diabetes. Estimates also show that six million people have the disease but don’t know that they do.
New figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have revealed that the incidence of type 2 diabetes in the United States has risen by 90 percent within just 10 years.
The figures showed that the incidence of type 2 diabetes increased from 4.8 people per 1,000 in 1995 -1997 to 9.1 people per thousand in 2005 – 2007. However, the true incidence of the disease is likely to be much higher because the data used in this study was from self-reported surveys, and approximately one-third of people with type 2 diabetes are unaware that they have diabetes.
How can you be sure you’re not one of them?
“The American Diabetes Association suggests that all adults begin getting tested for type 2 diabetes (a simple blood test) at age 45, and repeat the testing every three years,” said endocrinologist Steven T. Kaufman, MD, Interim Director of Cooper University Hospital’s Division of Endocrinology.
“Testing also is suggested for adults of any age who are overweight and have one or more risk factors for developing the disease (see list below),” Dr. Kaufman said.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person’s body doesn’t make enough insulin (a hormone) or can’t use insulin properly. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body’s pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or your body’s cells ignore the insulin. Between 90 to 95 percent of people who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
When you digest food, your body changes the starches you eat into glucose (a form of sugar). Insulin allows this glucose to enter all the cells of your body and be used as energy. When you have diabetes, because your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly, the glucose builds up in your blood instead of moving into the cells. Too much glucose in the blood can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, and damage to the nerves and kidneys.
Who is at risk for diabetes?
You are at increased risk for diabetes if:
- You’re older than 45 years of age.
- You’re overweight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) higher than 25.
- You don’t exercise regularly.
- Your parent, brother or sister has diabetes.
- You gave birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds, or you were diagnosed with gestational diabetes while pregnant.
- You’re a member of the racial/ethnic groups that are known to be at higher risk for the disease: African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
- You have hypertension (high blood pressure).
- You have high cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
- You’re a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome.
- You have a history of cardiovascular disease.
- You have other clinical conditions associated with insulin resistance.
“If you have one or more of these risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your risk of developing diabetes, and about a plan for regular testing,” Dr. Kaufman said.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
The early stages of diabetes have very few symptoms, which is why so many people don’t know they have the disease. But damage could already be happening to your eyes, kidneys and cardiovascular system even before you notice symptoms. Here are some symptoms of diabetes to watch out for:
- Extreme thirst.
- Extreme hunger.
- Frequent urination.
- Sores or bruises that heal slowly.
- Dry, itchy skin.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Blurry vision.
- Unusual tiredness or drowsiness.
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
- Frequent or recurring skin, gum, bladder or vaginal yeast infections.
“If you are regularly experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t dismiss them. Make a doctor’s appointment right away. The earlier diabetes can be diagnosed and treated, the better your chances for preventing serious complications,” Dr. Kaufman said.
Cooper University Hospital is participating in the International Diabetes Federation’s global campaign to light iconic monuments and sites in blue to mark World Diabetes Day. On Sunday, November 14, Cooper’s exterior lights and the interior accent lighting in the hospital’s lobby will shine blue to raise awareness about diabetes.
— by Denice Ferrarelli