Released December 4, 2008

STILLWATER, Okla. – Knowing the facts about diabetes is important since many people are unaware of its deadly complications and the importance of proper diabetes control.

Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to be used by the body’s cells. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy.

“More than 23 million Americans have diabetes, with 1.6 million new cases last year in people 20 or older,” said Janice Hermann, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service nutrition specialist. “Diabetes can lead to other complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and lower extremity amputations.”

There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2.

With only about 5 percent to 10 percent of people having type 1 diabetes, it is less common than type 2 diabetes, said Hermann. With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot make insulin; therefore, people with type 1 must take insulin injections and modify their diet to prevent long-term complications and a potentially deadly condition called ketoacidosis.

Warning signs for type 1 diabetes include excessive urination, abnormal thirst, unusual hunger, rapid weight loss, irritability, weakness, fatigue and nausea.

“If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away for testing and diagnosis,” Hermann said.

Type 2 diabetes can be controlled by diet modifications, exercise and oral medications. In some cases, insulin injections are necessary to control blood sugar.

“Type 2 diabetes is a silent disease. There are great numbers of people out there who don’t even realize they have it. Others discover it only after seeking medical help for one of its many complications,” she said. “By the time some people are diagnosed with diabetes, damage to the nerves, arteries, eyes and kidneys may have been going on for up to 10 years.”

Some of the warning signs of type 2 diabetes include drowsiness, itching, blurred vision, easy fatigue, slow healing wounds, being overweight and having a family history of diabetes. If any of these symptoms occur, a doctor should be seen immediately.

“Early diagnosis and treatment are key to delaying or preventing long-term complications,” Hermann said.

New guidelines recommended for everyone aged 45 and older indicate they should be tested for diabetes every three years. Individuals who are at higher risk of developing diabetes should be tested at a younger age.

In addition to the increased number of cases of diabetes, the incidence of obesity also has dramatically increased over the past decade. The increase in obesity may have a major impact on the incidence of type 2 diabetes in the future.

“Obesity is a major contributor to development of type 2 diabetes and there is a delay between the onset of obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes,” Hermann said. “Therefore, suggestions are that a further increase in the occurrence of diabetes is expected in the future. If you have family history of diabetes or fall into the categories that increase the chances of developing the disease, it’s a good idea to talk to your health professional.”

Additional information about diabetes is available through OSU Cooperative Extension offices. Information also can be found at the American Diabetes Association Web site at http://www.diabetes.org or by calling 1-800-DIABETES.

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http://www2.dasnr.okstate.edu/Members/katie.reim-40okstate.edu/diabetes-2013-know-the-facts

Contact: Katie Reim, 405-744-6792, katie.reim@okstate.edu