In his monthly column, Dr. Kent Herbert answers your questions related to health care matters. Simply submit your question to stefaniw@newfalconherald.com. It’s your chance to ask the doc.Question: I am concerned about developing diabetes. What should I look for and how can I prevent it? Answer: Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone insulin or if the body doesn’t use insulin in the right way. In both of these situations, blood sugar, or glucose, increases; causing damage to the body.If left untreated, diabetes can cause blindness, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and the need for amputation. Because few symptoms occur in the early stages of diabetes, only half of the people who currently have diabetes know they have it. When symptoms do occur, they are often vague or ignored.There are two types of diabetes: type 1 (juvenile) diabetes and type 2 (adult) diabetes. Type 1 diabetes starts in childhood and occurs when the body does not make insulin, which helps the body use sugar for energy. Those with type 2 diabetes either do not have enough insulin or the body ignores the insulin that is present, causing the blood sugar to rise. Nearly 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.It is important to know the risk factors for diabetes in order to prevent it. Obesity is the single most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and between 80 and 90 percent of people with diabetes are overweight. It is important to follow a healthy, low-fat diet and to get regular exercise.Age is another strong risk factor for diabetes, with half of those diagnosed over age 55.Family history of diabetes is another factor. Having one relative with diabetes doubles the chance of developing it, and having two relatives with diabetes quadruples the chance. Some ethnic groups have a higher risk of diabetes. For example, compared with Caucasians, African Americans are twice as likely to have type 2 diabetes, Hispanic Americans are 2.5 to three times more likely and Native Americans are five times more likely. Although there is no way to change these risk factors, it is important to modify other risk factors.Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight are the best ways to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Any amount of activity is better than none, but the goal is to exercise 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week. A diet high in fiber and low in fat and sugar will help to prevent diabetes. Also, it is important to limit portion size: To prevent diabetes, it is as important to watch how much one eats as well as what one eats.As important as it is to prevent diabetes, it is equally important to recognize early symptoms.These may include extreme thirst or hunger, frequent urination, and sores or bruises that heal slowly. In addition, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision that changes from day to day, and excessive tiredness or fatigue can be signs of diabetes; as can frequent skin, gum, bladder or vaginal yeast infections. If these occur, it is important to see your doctor and get a fasting blood sugar test done.A normal blood sugar test result is below 100, and a test result higher than 125 suggests diabetes. To diagnose diabetes, two different tests are given on two different days. A test result between 100 to 125 suggests a higher risk of diabetes. Many people have diabetes for over five years before they show symptoms, and by that time, one can already have eye, kidney or nerve damage. Therefore, it is a good idea to have an annual test to diagnose it early.Although there is no cure for diabetes, there are ways to prevent it and to detect it early. By exercising, watching the diet and maintaining a healthy weight, it is possible to reduce or prevent diabetes damage.Dr. Kent HerbertBoard-Certified Family PhysicianFalcon Family Medicine7641 McLaughlin Rd.Falcon, CO 80831(719) 494-2006(719) 494-8448 faxwww.FalconFamilyMedicine.com
