1 in 4 People with Diabetes Remains Undiagnosed
Diabetes is often called the silent killer, but it doesn’t have to be. In honor of American Heart Month, RediClinic hopes to raise awareness of the serious disease that affects 29 million people in the United States. Of this total, an estimated 90% have type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that causes a high level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Most people with diabetes do not know that heart disease is the most deadly complication of diabetes.
How Diabetes Affects the Body
When you have type 2 diabetes, your fat, liver and muscle cells do not respond correctly to insulin, a hormone that regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. This is called insulin resistance. As a result, blood sugar does not get into these cells to be stored for energy. Diabetes affects the blood vessels and nerves and therefore can affect any part of the body. However, certain parts of the body are affected more than other parts.
Those who are overweight, have high blood pressure or cholesterol, and/or smoke are at highest risk for developing diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetes
A blood glucose test is the first step to determine if you have diabetes. If you are currently undiagnosed but have these classic symptoms of diabetes, walk-in to your nearest RediClinic today. Early diagnosis is crucial to avoid permanent nerve damage.
- Excessive thirst
- Increased urination
- Rapid weight loss
- Excessive hunger
- Skin problems
- Slow healing
- Yeast & fungal infections
- Fatigue & irritability
- Blurry vision
- Tingling & numbness in the hands, legs or feet
Get Help at RediClinic
Diabetes can be managed through physical activity, diet and appropriate use of insulin and oral medications to lower blood sugar levels. If you are experiencing diabetes symptoms or believe you may be at risk due to lifestyle or a family history of the disease, the board-certified clinicians at your nearest RediClinic offer complete diabetes testing with no appointment necessary. Our services include Austin blood work, and the Weigh Forward® program for weight management.
