Diabetes and obesity are health concerns in Tarrant County. Diabetes is the number one cause of blindness, kidney failure and amputations. These complications of diabetes can be prevented!
WHAT IS DIABETES?
When you have diabetes your body is not making enough of the hormone insulin or the insulin you have is not working the way it should. Therefore, the food you eat cannot be used as energy.
Most food is broken down into a form of sugar called glucose. Sugar is the body's main source for energy. As you eat food your sugar rises and the body signals the pancreas to send insulin to the bloodstream to lower your blood sugar.
When you have diabetes your pancreas makes little or no insulin (Type 1 Diabetes) or the insulin you have does not work effectively (Type 2 Diabetes). When this happens the blood sugar in your bloodstream is very high.
WARNING SIGNS OF DIABETES
- Excessive thirst or hunger
- Frequent urination
- Extreme weakness or fatigue
- Infections, cuts or sores that are slow to heal
- Yeast infections
- Tingling/numbness of the feet or hands
- Impotence
- Recurring skin, gum or urinary tract infections
- Feeling that you have "no energy"
ARE YOU AT RISK FOR DIABETES?
- Overweight
- Family history
- Hispanic, African American, Native American or Asian American
- Over 30 years of age
- Prior history of large babies or diabetes during pregnancy
- Inactive Lifestyle
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING TYPE 2 DIABETES
- Eat Healthy
- Exercise
- Weight control
- Have a physical exam every year
Click here to learn more about diabetes facts.
The Texas Diabetes Council promotes diabetes prevention and awareness throughout the state. Free diabetes education materials are available through the Publications and Resources section of the website: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/diabetes/publictn.shtm
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