In the U.S., 1 in 3 adults has prediabetes and is at risk for type 2 diabetes, yet nearly 85% don’t know they have it. Learning about diabetes and how to prevent or delay it is the first step toward living a longer, healthier life. The American Diabetes Association can help individuals continue down a path toward health and wellbeing. Blood sugar control can help prevent health problems.

There are many factors that can be controlled such as diet and exercise. Prediabetes is a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes and even heart disease. The chances of having prediabetes go up for people who:

• Are 45 or older
• Are Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American or Pacific Islander
• Have a parent, brothe or sister with diabetes
• Are overweight
• Are physically inactive
• Have high blood pressure or take medicine for high blood pressure
• Have low HDL cholesterol and/or high triglycerides
• Had diabetes during pregnancy
• Have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome

Common symptoms of diabetes:

• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal.
• Weight loss—even though you are eating more (type 1)
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing complications from diabetes. The most common complications include neuropathy (nerve damage) in the hands and feet, vision problems, including blindness, kidney damage, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, skin infections and poor or slow healing of skin wounds.

The Faith Community Nurse can discuss changes which can be made in diet, exercises that can increase energy, ways to decrease stress levels and life-style changes for better health.