Managing Type 2 Diabetes

A 2017 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that more than 100 million adults in the U.S. are now living with diabetes or prediabetes.  As of 2015, 30.3 million Americans (9.4 percent of the U.S. population) have diabetes and another 84.1 million have prediabetes.  Rates of diabetes increase as people age, and among those 65 years and older, 25 percent have diabetes.

That means more than one-third of U.S. adults have prediabetes, which is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.   The CDC warns that if prediabetes is left untreated and steps are not taken to make healthier lifestyle choices as many as 15 to 30 percent of those people will have type 2 diabetes within five years.  Furthermore, one of their biggest concerns is the fact that the majority of people with prediabetes do not know it.   

While diabetes may be a common disease, self-management is a very important aspect of how well someone lives with the disease.  Organizations like the CDC and the American Diabetes Association strongly encourage anyone with the disease to get educated and learn about the latest medical therapies and treatment options.  

Your lifestyle can make a difference in managing or reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes including adopting healthier eating habits, increasing your physical activity, and maintaining or losing a modest amount of weight.   If you already have diabetes, these changes can help control the severity of the disease.

If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, are overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle, you may be at risk for developing diabetes.  The American Diabetes Association warns that many of the symptoms can be mild and go unnoticed but early detection and treatment of the disease is important and can decrease the risk of developing complications.  They recommend discussing any concerns with your doctor. 

This post is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for seeking the advice of your health care provider. 

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Source: cdc.gov/media/releases/2017/p0718-diabetes-report.html