Diabetes now epidemic

Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions – an estimated 26 million Americans or 8 percent of the population have diabetes. It has increased by 3 million people is just the past two years. Diabetes costs the average person who has it about $10,000 a year in total medical expenses – an average of $1,600 a year out of pocket expense.

What can be done?

Anyone with diabetes needs to know how to control it. Unfortunately, scientists do not know the exact cause of diabetes, therefore we do not have a cure. Lifestyle is a factor in developing diabetes, but has not been proven to be the underlying cause. Obesity has also been shown to be a contributing factor – but is not the only cause of diabetes.

There are many ways people with diabetes can learn to control their diagnosis. People with diabetes need to have a good relationship with their doctors. They need to be able to discuss different treatment options for control. They need to attend classes, such as those offered by Christus Spohn Diabetes Center, or read about diabetes (from reliable sources like the American Diabetes Association) to learn how to control the disease. Join a support group – or start one of their own. Many diabetes support groups are available throughout the community – contact Christus Spohn Diabetes Center (902-6010) for more information.

The trend toward having more and more people in our community with a diagnosis of diabetes has to change. It is expected that 1 out of 3 people born after 2000 will develop diabetes. Fiftyseven million people already have Pre-diabetes, a precursor of diabetes. People with Pre-diabetes usually develop diabetes within five years of diagnosis if they do not develop healthier habits.

Everyone needs to eat healthier (less fat and salt and sweets) and exercise more. Exercise has been proven necessary for sustained weight loss.

If a patient is overweight, as little as a 10 percent reduction in weight can mean the difference between controlled and uncontrolled blood sugars.

Become a health advocate. Teach healthy life styles by setting a good example for family, friends, and coworkers. Take a healthy lunch to work, engage the whole family in cooking healthy meals at home, and exercise as a family.

A diagnosis of diabetes is a life-changing event, but it doesn’t have to be a scary thing.

Through diet, exercise and good control of sugars, a person with a diabetes diagnosis can live a long and healthy life.

There is a lot of education and support in our community, and one place to get that is the Christus Spohn Diabetes Center. Call 361- 902-6010 for information about classes and support groups in your area.

Did you know…

* Almost 26 million people in USA have

diabetes 3 million new diagnosed in past 2

years (15%) increase

* At least 8 % of population of Nueces

County (and the country) believed to have

diabetes.

* About 57 million people have Pre-diabetes

(a condition that usually turns into diabetes

within 5 years if behaviors are not changed).

* By 2025 it is project there will be 333

million people world wide with diabetes.

* 1 in 3 Americans born after 2000 will

develop diabetes

* 3 out 5 people with Type 2 diabetes (the

most common form) have at least on serious condition or complication as the result of their diabetes: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, circulation problems, neuropathy (nerve problems), retinopathy, kidney

failure, heart disease, depression, sexual

dysfunction

* Diabetes is the leading cause of new

blindness.

* Diabetes is the cause of 43 percent of new

cases of end stage renal disease

* Diabetes is the cause of 60 percent of nontraumatic

lower limb amputations