Many medical professionals from around the country are calling type 2 diabetes the most rampant epidemic of the 21st century. Twenty-nine million individuals in the United States are currently suffering from diabetes and another 86 million are considered to have prediabetes. These are alarming numbers, and they are only continuing to climb.
A Look at the Numbers
A National Diabetes Statistics Report was recently compiled in 2014, shedding light on how prevalent type 2 diabetes is becoming in America:
- The number of Americans with type 2 diabetes has increased from 26 million in 2010 to 29 million in 2012
- 1.7 million people aged 20 years or older were newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2012
- 208,000 people younger than 20 years of age were diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- In 2012, diabetes and its related complications resulted in $245 billion in total medical costs and lost wages
Symptoms of Diabetes
The key to managing diabetes is to treat it as soon as possible, and it all starts with recognizing the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Signs of Diabetes in Adults
Adults suffering from diabetes may experience any of the following:
- Unusual thirst
- An increase in urination frequency
- Notable weight gain or loss
- Lack of energy and fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Slow healing cuts and bruises
- Frequent/recurring infections
- A tingling sensation in the hands or feet
- Troubles getting and/or maintaining an erection
Signs of Diabetes in Children
The majority of children who are diagnosed with diabetes do not have a family history of the disease. This can make it more difficult to detect. These three signs are often a symptom in children of all ages:
- Drinking more frequently and visiting the washroom more often
- Bed wetting
- Lack of energy and fatigue
What Can You Do?
If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s imperative to seek treatment immediately. Your doctor will test you for diabetes using one of the following tests:
- A fasting blood glucose test
- Random blood glucose
- A1C
- Oral glucose tolerance test
These tests are typically performed twice to ensure accurate results. Your doctor will then be able to work with you to help you control your diabetes and manage it going forward. In many cases, individuals have been able to defeat the disease by making lifestyle changes that include a change of diet and an increase in exercise.
