Here are some frightening facts: A quarter of adults with diabetes don’t know they have it, and only about 1 in 10 know they have prediabetes.¹ Could you be at risk and not even know it?

Know the warning signs

Diabetes is known as a silent killer for a reason — there may be no symptoms at all or they may be so vague, patients do not recognize the signs. Here are a few common warning signs:

• Increased thirst or hunger
• Frequent peeing or urinary infections
• Dry mouth
• Weight loss you can’t explain
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Headaches²

Do you recognize any of the above warning signs in yourself? If the answer is yes, talk to your doctor about your risk of developing diabetes. Your doctor may request a special blood test to determine if you have diabetes or prediabetes.

Are you at risk?

Even a few extra pounds can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes, and the risk increases 30% for every 11 pounds gained. Weight gains of 44 pounds or more make you 10 times more likely to develop the disease.³ Family health history also plays a role in your risk for developing type 2 diabetes — did you know that most people with type 2 diabetes have a family member with the disease?

It’s up to you

If you have prediabetes, you can cut your risk of developing diabetes in half with exercise and a healthy diet.¹ A few lifestyle changes can go a long way toward preventing or controlling diabetes:

• Eat your vegetables (fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and nonfat dairy, too!)
• Limit foods high in fat and sugar
• Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days of the week
• Lower your stress level
• Stop smoking
• Go easy on the alcohol

We can help

You don’t have to manage your diabetes alone. Partner with your doctor and Health Mart^® pharmacist — whether you have questions about your risks, need tips about lifestyle changes or want guidance about diabetes medications, we’re here to help.

Health Mart. Caring for you and about you.        

Resources 

1. CDC: More than 100 Million Americans Have Diabetes of Prediabetes: CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2017/p0718-diabetes-report.html Accessed 10-3-17.
2. WebMD: Diabetes Warning Signs. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-warning-signs#1-2 Accessed 10-3-17.

Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.