Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that can occur when the level of sugar in your blood is too high. Many of the foods we eat are turned into sugar by the body, and too much sugar in the blood can be harmful. Insulin (a hormone) helps the body use the sugar as food for your cells.
There are three types of Diabetes:
- Type 1 occurs when the body stops making insulin.
- Type 2 can occur when not enough insulin being made or when too much insulin is being made. If there is too much insulin, your body ignores it, and the sugar can’t get to your cells.
- Gestational Diabetes can develop during pregnancy.
Some symptoms of Diabetes include:
- Needing to use the bathroom more often
- Being very thirsty
- Being very hungry
- Being more tired than usual
- Unusual weight loss
- Blurry vision
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Diabetes can cause other problems in your body:
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Kidney Problems
- Depression
- Eye problems and blindness
- Foot problems – infections, poor circulation, and sores
- Nerve Damage- tingling, numbness or weakness in feet and hands
You may have some of the symptoms or none at all. If you are having any of the above symptoms, it is important to visit your doctor or clinic.
- Lose Weight – as little as 10 pounds can help
- Exercise More – try to walk 30 minutes each day.
- Eat Healthier Foods- eat more fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Try to eat less sugar and pre-made foods.
- Reduce Stress- try taking deep breaths or going on walks when feeling stressed.
- Quit Smoking- smoking is very harmful to your health and can increase your risk for many diseases. If you need help quitting, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit Oregon Quit or Quitting Smoking
Additional Diabetes Resources
Multnomah County Diabetes Coalition
National Diabetes Information Clearing House
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Diabetes Public Health Resource