Act now to avoid incurable diabetes

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Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the U.S. The condition occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that the body uses to regulate blood sugar levels.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to destroy the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is chronic disease that causes the body to be insulin-resistant, meaning the body still has insulin but can’t use it properly.

Both types of the disease have similar symptoms including:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Increased hunger
• Blurred vision
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Numbness in hands and feet
• Sores that take a long time to heal
• Unexplained weight loss

If you notice any of these signs, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can perform blood tests to determine if you have either form of diabetes.

Diabetes can have many negative impacts on the body, including heart problems, eye problems, kidney problems, foot problems, nerve damage and a weakened immune system.

Once you have diabetes, there is no cure. That’s why it’s important to try to prevent the disease before you’re affected.

There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes, but there are several things you can do to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Some of the most common risk factors for type 2 diabetes include being overweight or obese, having a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and not enough physical activity.

Therefore, to reduce your risk of developing the disease you can focus on:

• Losing weight
• Eating a healthy, low-fat diet
• Exercising regularly — at least 150 minutes each week
• Quitting smoking
• Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol

Natalie Peters is the community health educator n the Dallas County Public Health Department.

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