Defend Against Diabetes

			
			
			

			     
     woman 
 
 
 
"I didn’t know or think much about diabetes before my uncle became really ill with it. Now I watch my diet and exercise at least four times a week so that I stay healthy."
 -Margo
 
 

			

			

				
				
Today, Americans are living longer than ever before. But something has come along that is threatening to wipe out these recent gains in lifespan…

It’s nothing sudden or new, but its impact has still caught us off guard. 

It’s diabetes – a well-known disease that has been around for awhile. And it is a growing threat to our health and the health of our children.

Surprisingly, children today may actually have a lower life expectancy, on average, than their parents have because of the huge increase in the number of people developing diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Based on current trends, the ADA estimates that one in three children born in 2000 will develop diabetes during life. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way. 
In many cases, diabetes is preventable. Most of the new diabetes cases are a form of the disease called “Type 2 diabetes.” Health experts estimate that Type 2 diabetes is 90 percent preventable.¹ 

Doctors say that by eating healthier foods and increasing the amount of exercise you get, you can help lower your chances of ever developing diabetes – and, by setting a good example, you can help your children to do the same.

People who develop diabetes or currently have diabetes can still do a lot to limit the impact the disease has on their health and quality of life. They can also help decrease their chances for developing related conditions, such as heart disease, or serious complications, such as blindness or the loss of a limb. With the appropriate medical attention, and the right self care (eating healthy, getting enough exercise, and taking medicine when prescribed), people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives. 

Make changes in your lifestyle to start defending against diabetes today!

What is Diabetes? 
Am I at Risk for Diabetes? 
What are the Symptoms of Diabetes? 
What Can I Do to Prevent Diabetes? 
What Should I Do if I Have Diabetes? 
Where can I find more information about diabetes?
American Diabetes Association
WebMD 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Recursos de Salud Pública sobre Diabetes
 
(¹Source: Hu F, et al. Diet, Lifestyle and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Women. New England Journal of Medicine, Sep. 13, 2001; 345:11.)