November Is Diabetes Awareness Month
By: Sierra Henderson
Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: Student Life
- Page 1 of 1
|
13.3 percent of the African American population have the disease currently and it threatens many more. Increasingly, diabetes is appearing in youth and is believed to be linked with the rising rate of obesity in children. A study estimates that out of the 20.8 million overall that live with diabetes, 6.2 million people don't even know they have it.
Initial symptoms include frequent urination, fatigue, increased hunger, slow healing, blurred vision, excessive thirst, weight loss and frequent infection. The disease can be officially diagnosed by a doctor who observes symptoms and administers one of two blood sugar tests.
Diabetes is believed to result from both genetic and environmental factors. There are two types, both marked by a patient's inability to rid their blood of the simple sugars that we ingest through food. There are several risk factors for getting diabetes including family history, high cholesterol, little or no physical activity, being overweight or obese, high blood pressure, blood vessel disease or a genetic disorder call Impaired Fasting Glucose.
Another risk factor applies to pregnant women. Sometimes women who will give birth experience a temporary form of the illness, called gestational diabetes, while carrying the fetus. These women are at greater to risk to have diabetes later in life.
Rachel Kanda, a sophomore in Fashion Design and Merchandising, says her sister got diabetes when she was pregnant. Kanda says when her sister went back for a checkup they told her she still had it.
"She has to keep healthy snacks on her because she'll pass out if she doesn't eat for a while," Kanda adds. "It can be controlled, though, so long as you take precautions."
Diabetes' symptoms can be immediate and life-threatening or have degenerative effects over time. People who have diabetes can eventually face blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage and amputation. Currently there is no cure.
Those diagnosed with the disease must make life-altering changes to prevent serious health consequences. Health professionals suggest that maintaining one's blood sugar levels through diet, exercise and medication will minimize the risk for other complications associated with diabetes.
A professor, who wished to remain unnamed, is living with diabetes and suggests that people should get formal education about it. She said she was scared when she was first diagnosed but learned to live a more disciplined and healthy lifestyle, including reducing stress, exercising, maintaining a good weight and regular medication regimens. She warned against blindly trusting what doctors say.
She recalled consulting her family physician who kept adding new medications when her blood sugar would creep up. Her physician insisted that there was no alternative. Coincidentally, she attended a health fare soon thereafter where she was encouraged to see a specialist. The endocrinologist she consulted got her blood sugar under control.
