More than 18 million Americans have diabetes, but one in three does not know it!  Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless.

Are You at Risk?

Risk factors for diabetes include:

• Age— 45 and older PLUS being overweight or obese (body mass index of 25 or greater, 23 or greater if Asian American or 26 or greater if Pacific Islander)
• In addition to age and weight, these factors increase risk:
• Parent, brother or sister with diabetes
• Family background that is African American, American Indian, Asian American, Latina, or Pacific Islander.
• Diabetes during pregnancy
• High blood pressure greater than 140/90
• HDL (good) cholesterol of less than 40 for men and less than 50 for women or triglycerides are 250 or higher
• Exercise less than three times per week.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.  These complications can include heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, foot problems, nerve damage, and amputations.

Some diabetes symptoms include:

• Frequent urination (especially at night)
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Feeling tired
• Irritability
• Blurry vision
• Sores that heal slowly

If you are at risk for diabetes and have one or more of these diabetes symptoms, talk to your doctor.

Source:  American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org and NIH National Diabetes Education Program, www.ndep.nih.gov. (Reported in Wellness News You Can Use, National Wellness Institute, October, 2004)