Maine CDC has estimated that 7.8 percent of the adult population
in Maine is living with pre-diabetes and 9.5 percent is living with diabetes.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, which serves as a reminder to everyone
about the risk factors and cautions related to pre-diabetes and diabetes.
What is Pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes is when a person’s blood glucose (blood sugar)
levels are higher than normal, but are not high enough to be diagnosed as
diabetes. One in three adults in the U.S. has pre-diabetes and most of them
don’t know it. Some of the risk factors for developing pre-diabetes are: adults
who are over the age of 45, adults who are not physically active and adults
with high blood pressure. Without making lifestyle changes, 15-30 percent will
develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years. Making some simple lifestyle changes,
including: eating healthier, losing weight and being more active make it
possible to prevent or delay pre-diabetes from progressing into type 2
diabetes.
For
more information visit the Maine National Diabetes Prevention Program
information portal at: www.ReThinkDiabetes.org or speak to your doctor to see if you are
at risk of pre-diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that causes high levels of glucose in the
blood because insulin is not functioning correctly in the body.
- Type
1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in youth and young adults. The cause is
unknown and cannot be prevented, but it can be managed through insulin
therapy and living a healthy lifestyle.
- Type
2 diabetes accounts for 90-95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with healthy eating and exercise.
Steps to Encourage Diabetes Management
- Managing
diabetes is not easy, but it can be done with proper education and
support. Take small steps to stay healthy. You don’t have to make big
lifestyle changes all at once. Set realistic goals on what’s important to
you.
- Early
self-management education and support is important to prevent
diabetes-related health problems. When blood glucose is not in
control, it can lead to serious complications.
- Managing
diabetes is a team effort. Diabetes can be overwhelming. Having a
network of support from family, friends and your health care team, can
help you stay on track.
To
find a Diabetes Self-Management Training program in Maine to help support you
in your self-management planning visit:
For More Information
