Sugar-Coating Our Health
By David A. Johnson MD, Medical Director, Signature Care
Monday, Nov 6th, 2006; Posted: 9:00 a.m.
"As you reflect upon the blessings of
the holiday season, remember that your body and your health are precious
gifts..."
As we end the candy-fest of Halloween and head into the food extravaganzas of
Thanksgiving and Christmas, now is an ideal time to talk about diabetes.
Approximately 21 million Americans have diabetes and another 54 million are
considered to be pre-diabetic and likely to develop diabetes in the future.
November is designated as American Diabetes Month in an effort to increase
awareness of this deadly and debilitating disease.
Currently, diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death in this country,
affecting about 6% of Americans and predicted to increase to 12% by 2050.
Diabetics have a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. (Diabetes is as big
a risk factor as hypertension and high cholesterol.) Diabetes is one of the
leading causes of blindness in this country and the number two reason for
amputations, behind accidents.
Everyone needs to understand two crucial facts
about diabetes:
- Many people with diabetes don't even know that they have
it. (Over 40% of those with diabetes aren't aware of their diagnosis!) The
"classic" symptoms of excessive thirst, frequent urination and excessive
eating despite losing weight are not always present or are not recognized by
the affected person. The most common way to detect diabetes in adults is with
a screening blood sugar test. Unfortunately, many people do not have this done.
- With proper intervention, diabetes can be controlled and, in the case of
many of those with pre-diabetes, avoided.
Many assume that diabetes is just
genetic "bad luck" or an inevitable consequence for those that have it.
Actually, that is only true for about 10% of diabetics, those who simply do
not produce sufficient insulin. These are almost exclusively juveniles. For
90% of those with diabetes, it is due to problems of diet, lack of exercise,
and excessive weight. That is why there is no mystery to the fact that as our
nation is getting more and more obese, the rate of diabetes continues to climb.
Two thirds of Americans are now overweight or obese.
"For
90% of those with diabetes, it is due to problems of diet, lack of exercise,
and excessive weight."
The good news is that detection and proper care can reduce or eliminate the
devastation of this disease. Everyone age 45 and older should have a
fasting blood sugar test to screen for diabetes. For those younger than 45,
consider getting tested if you have risk factors such as being overweight,
having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history of diabetes or
vessel disease, a sedentary lifestyle, or having low "good" cholesterol (HDL).
When in doubt, talk to your doctor.
If you are found to have elevated blood sugar levels, don't rely just on
medicines to correct the problem. Lifestyle changes with diet and exercise
can in many cases reduce or eliminate the need for medication.
The upcoming holidays (and life for that matter) are meant to be enjoyed.
We still need to be responsible for how we treat our bodies and to take an
active role in improving our health. As you reflect upon the blessings of
the holiday season, remember that your body and your health are precious
gifts and taking care of those gifts should be a top priority.
Here's to your health!