The Truth About Diabetes: What Every Michigander Should Know
| 1 min read
With November being Diabetes Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to learn more about the disease. While diabetes already affects one out of 10 people in Michigan, it impacts many more: An estimated 37 percent of adults have prediabetes, putting them at a higher risk for developing the disease, and almost 28 percent of those who have diabetes don’t know it.
What might be a factor in those scary statistics is that the disease’s symptoms, diagnosis and treatments can be confusing and alarming. For example, did you know these facts about diabetes?
- Type 2 diabetes is, in fact, preventable. Simple lifestyle changes like incorporating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help.
- Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, like extreme thirst, dry mouth, fatigue and constant hunger, are similar between men and women. If you suffer from these symptoms, a conversation with your doctor and simple blood test can help to successfully diagnose the disease.
- Individuals who have diabetes are more at risk for oral health issues like gingivitis and periodontitis.
To help clear up the confusion, Grace Derocha, certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian, shares her insight in this video on preventing and controlling the disease:
Photo credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture
