Diabetes Prevention Easy As

Statistics - USA million people - 7.8% of the population - have diabetes. Among Americans aged 20 years or older, 10.7% (23.5 million people) have diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes is greater among older people. Among Americans aged 60 years or older, 23.1% (12.2 million people) have diabetes.

What is Diabetes? Disease where blood glucose levels are higher than normal. Food breaks down into glucose - body’s main source of fuel - used by cells for energy & growth. Insulin (hormone) is what moves glucose into the cells. In diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin OR the body is unable to use the insulin.

Types of Diabetes Pre-Diabetes : Glucose levels slightly higher than normal. High risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. Most people with Pre-Diabetes develop diabetes within 10 years. Also known as Glucose Intolerance. Type 1 Diabetes : Body produces no insulin. The body’s immune system destroys the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin. Also known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes or Juvenile-Onset Diabetes, but it can occur at any age. Daily insulin is required.

Types of Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes : Body fails to use insulin properly and is eventually unable to make enough insulin. Most common form of diabetes. Can be developed at any age. Can be prevented or delayed. Gestational Diabetes : Caused by pregnancy hormones which decrease insulin production. Resolves after delivery, but places mother at an increased risk for developing diabetes.

Signs & Symptoms  Unusual thirst, hunger, or fatigue  Increased urination, especially at night  Unexplained weight loss  Frequent infections or sores that heal slowly  Dry, itchy skin  Numbness or tingling, especially in your feet  Blurred vision

High Glucose Levels Lead to... Blindness Stroke Heart Disease Kidney Disease Nerve Damage Amputation Death

Risk Factors Increased Age High Blood Pressure & High Cholesterol Family History & Genetics Gestational Diabetes Obesity Unhealthy Eating Habits Sedentary Lifestyle

Prevention - Easy As Three simple steps can help to prevent diabetes or help a person with diabetes manage the disease and reduce possible complications. 1 - Eat Healthy 2 - Move More 3 - Know Your Numbers

1 - Eat Healthy Reduce the amount of food you eat to lose weight Choose whole grain foods such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, and barley Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables Eat small portions of heart-healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils Choose low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and cheese Cut down on foods high in sugar and sodium

2 - Move More Get 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days per week Set small goals to start and gradually increase Warm up and stretch Find activities you enjoy Get family and friends involved Walk, run, swim, garden, dance, ride a bike, take the stairs, park further away, get up to change the TV channel.

3 - Know Your Numbers Blood Pressure - 120/80 Cholesterol - Total Cholesterol less than 200, LDL less than 100, HDL greater than 60, Triglycerides less than 150 Blood Glucose (fasting) - less than 100 is normal, pre-diabetes Body Mass Index - normal range is 18.5 to 24.9 HgbA1C - normal range is 4.5 to 6%

Take Action Make healthy food choices Lead a physically active life Learn all you can so you can take action for better health and… PREVENT DIABETES!