Diabetes Month

• 7.8% of the population (23.6 million) people have diabetes
• Hispanic/Latino Americans are 1.8 times more likely to have diabetes than whites
• African Americans are 1.6 times more likely to have diabetes than whites
• If current trends continue, 1 in 3 Americans and 1 in 2 minorities born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime

"Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles."

• Heart disease and stroke: risk is 2-4 times higher in people with diabetes.
• Kidney disease: Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure
• Amputations: More than 60% of nontraumatic lower limb amputations occur in people with diabetes
• Blindness: Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults aged 20-74.

• Get your fasting blood glucose tested every year during your annual physical.
• Maintain a healthy weight. People who are overweight are at much higher risk of diabetes.
• Eat light and eat often. Eat very small meals and have healthy snacks between meals
• Eat low glycemic foods. Avoid foods high in sugar, and look for foods that have fiber and/or protein.