There are not always symptoms, which may happen with type two diabetes. People can live for months, even years without knowing that they have the disease. Beacuse diabetes can come about very gradually,symptoms may not even be recognized. Due to sharp increases in the prevalence of diabetes, doctors recommend that annual screening take place at the age of 38 instead of 45. If the test is negative then testing should continue every three years. People who develop diabetes while pregnant, called gestational diabetes, are more likely to develop full-blown diabetes later.

Who is Affected

Diabetes can occur in anyone. however, thos who have close relatives with the disease are more likely to develop it. The risk also increases as people grow older and those who are over 40 and overweight are more likely to develop it. African-Americans, Hispanica and Asians are at greater risk of developing the diabetes and should be tested younger. One out of every 10 adult Mexican Americans has diabetes. The disease is also prevalent in other Hispanic groups. African-Americans, especially women, alsotop the diabetes chart. One in every 4 African-American women older than 55 have diabetes. Asians in the past few years have been added to the growing list of those who are at risk. Often diet is the cause of higherrates of diabetes in minorities. Excessive amounts of fatty foods, high cholesteroland stress can contribute to diabetes. Minorities must improve their diet and begin an exercise program to lower the risk of diabetes.

Other Complications

Poorly managed diabetes can lead to many long-term problems. Among them are heart attacks, blindness, kidney failure, blood vessel diseasethat may require amputation, nerve damageand impotence in men. Over half of lower limb amputations in the United States occur among people with diabetes. Amputations are often necessary because nerves have been destoryed and blood no longer flows properly.

Today, those who are diagnoed with diabetes have a strong chance of living without complications. Recent studies show that if the blood sugar is kept as close to normalas possible, diabetes patients can reduce the risk of thes complictaions by 50% or more. The best defense against complications is to take good care of the diabetes. Keeping the blood sugar level near normal range will make those with diabetes feel better and stay healthy in the future.

Treatment

Wheter type 1 or type 2,there are certain things that those with diabetes need to do to be healthy. The key is keeping the blood sugar level within target range.

1. Have a meal eating plan.
2. Exercise - it can help your body use insulin better to convert glucose into energy for cells.
3. Insulin Injections - everyone with type 1 diabetes and some with type 2 diabetes.
4. Oral Ageants - (or pills) people with type two diabetes can take pills to help their bodies produces more insulin and/or use insulin better.
5. Weight Loss - Some people with type 2 diabetes can manage their disease with weight loss, along with diet and exercise and may not need medication.
6. Monitor Blood Sugar - Using a home blood sugar monitor daily testing will help a diabetic see how well a meal plan , exercise, and medication are working to keep the blood level in normal range.

Everyone who has diabetes should see a diabetic specailist (endocrinologist) at least every six months. Diabetics should also see a diabetic nurse educator, a diabetic dietitian, an exercise psychologist and a mental health professional periodically. Everyone with diabetes should also have an eye exam once a year by an ophtalmologist to ensure that any eye problems associated with diabetes is caught early and treated before it becomes serious.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent daibetes as of yet. Type 2 diabetes can be lower by 60% by maintaining ones weight and moderate daily exercise.Metformin is medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and lower the risk of type 2 diabetesby 30%..this medication is especailly important in families with a history of the disease,individuals who are over weight,live sedentary lifestyles, have had gestational diabetes or is a member of an ethnic group. These people are more prone tothe disease.

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