Diabetes affects every part of the body
Until now, you may not have thought much about diabetes. You probably know people who have type 2 and they seem to be fine. You might even wonder how serious it could really be.
Here's the truth: It's deadly serious. In 2021, 103,294 people died from diabetes, making it the eighth leading cause of death. And compared to 2019, diabetes-related deaths increased 17 percent in 2020 and 15 percent in 2021.
Nearly 38.4 million Americans already have diabetes. That's an amazing number, but millions more are at risk. They have pre-diabetes and may not realize it. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 9 percent of people with diabetes are undiagnosed.
If you are overweight, don't exercise, and have been feeling pretty tired lately, it's time to see your doctor for a glucose tolerance test.
A normal fasting blood glucose level is between 70 and 100 mg/dL. A level between 100 and 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes, and a level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
The good news is that even if your fasting glucose level is high, you can keep from getting type 2 diabetes. But you have to get serious about doing it.
* Get regular exercise — at least 30 minutes each day. You'll have to do it anyway if you progress to type 2 diabetes, so why not walk or exercise to prevent it?
* Improve your diet. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods. Stop drinking sodas, sports drinks, and fruit drinks. Limit white breads, rice, and pasta, along with sugars from candy, cakes, and pastries. Ask your doctor or a registered dietitian about a nutrition plan that's formulated for your specific needs.
* Lose a few pounds. Weight loss is not uncommon if you exercise and eat better, and you can drive consistent weight loss if you watch your portion sizes. Losing just 5 percent of your total body weight can make a difference, but 10 percent reduces type 2 risk by 58 percent.
