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Are You at Risk for Diabetes?


Could You Have Diabetes and Not Know It?

You read a lot about diabetes in the media today. But what is diabetes? Could you have diabetes and not know it?

Diabetes includes a number of diseases that involve problems with the hormone insulin. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, blindness and amputation of lower limbs.

About 20.8 million Americans have diabetes, and an estimated 33 percent of those with diabetes—6.2 million people—don't even know they have it. Another 57 million Americans have pre-diabetes. This is a serious condition that increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Regular medical screening, early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to staying well. Keeping blood sugar levels within a normal range can potentially prevent the progression to diabetes.



As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

By Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD

Sources: American Diabetes Association: "Conditions and Treatment." "Type 2 Diabetes." "Diabetes Risk Test." "Pre-Diabetes." "How to Prevent Pre-Diabetes." "Types of Exercise." National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC): "What I Need To Know about Eating and Diabetes." "Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Diabetes Under Control." "Your Guide to Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2." National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "What is Metabolic Syndrome?" American Heart Association: "Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes has Doubled in 30 Years." CDC: "National Diabetes Fact Sheet." WebMD Public Information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: "Diabetes Overview." WebMD Public Information from the National Institutes of Health: "7 Principles for Controlling Diabetes for Life." WebMD Medical Reference: "Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors." "Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes." "Diabetes Warning Signs." "Diabetes Testing." "Diabetes Doctors: Choosing Your Health Care Team." "Type 2 Diabetes in Children." "Type 2 Diabetes and Exercise." "Home Blood Glucose Testing." "The Basics of a Healthy Diabetes Diet." "Diabetes and Weight Loss: The Right Path." "Eight Lifestyle Tips to Avoid Diabetes Complications." WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth: "Causes of Type 2 Diabetes." WebMD Health News: "Weight Loss Surgery Treats Diabetes." "Once-a-Week Byetta Fights Diabetes." WebMD Slideshow: "Type 2 Diabetes Slideshow: Overview." Secular trends in incidence of childhood IDDM in 10 countries. Diabetes Epidemiology Research International Group. Diabetes 1990; 39:858. Genuth, S, et al. Follow-up report on the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care 2003; 26:3160. Standards of medical care in diabetes—2008. Position Statement. Diabetes Care 2008; 31 Suppl 1:S12. © 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.