Americans Lack Diabetes Awareness
by SARAH NELSON, Contributing Writer
Aside from her collection of amazing recipes, my Grandma left my family one other thing: diabetes. My Grandpa has it, my dad has it, and so does his brother. Given our genetics, my brother and I are pretty good candidates, and, as it turns out, so are one in every three other Americans. Even with a relatively alarming risk rate, Americans are pretty ignorant when it comes to the facts about “the betes”.
The American Diabetes Association conducted a pretty intense survey interrogating more than two thousand men and women across the country. They found that most people don’t know the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and, even more alarming, many of those questioned had no idea that diabetes can actually lead to death if neglected. That’s not good considering one American is diagnosed with diabetes every 20 seconds.
Here are the facts you need to know about diabetes:
• Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.
• Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease; type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors.
• Symptoms include: extreme hunger, extreme thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, unusual weight loss and unexplained tiredness.
• Genetics, age, and lifestyle play into risk factors. Obesity increases risk. Being over 45 increases risk. Poor diet increases risk. And as unfair as it is, race and ethnicity can be a risk factor. Latinos and African Americans are twice as likely to develop diabetes as Caucasians.
• Diabetes can lead to additional health issues like kidney problems, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, depression, eye problems and sometimes even blindness.
• There is no cure for diabetes, but there is treatment.
• Type II Diabetes can be prevented. A balanced diet and adequate exercise is the best way to fight back against the risk of diabetes. Lifestyle is everything.
To find out if you might be at risk and to learn more check out the American Diabetes Association Risk test. Once you know the facts, test your diabetes prowess with the Diabetes Quiz. Don’t get too cocky- this quiz is tough. Let’s just say my score won me a “Try Again” at the end.
Photo by AlishaV, flickr.
- Posted by Causecast
Related causes: Health
Related Articles
-
My Ad Council: Share PSAs Through Social Networking To Make A Daily Difference
The Ad Council has launched a new site targeted at expanding the power of PSAs through social net...
- 11.20.09
- |
- 04:22pm
-
Universal Declaration On Animal Welfare Makes Headway In Canada
Animal activists around the world have been working to implement a Universal Declaration on Anima...
- 11.20.09
- |
- 02:19pm
-
The World's First Sustainable Sushi Restaurant (VIDEO)
In the mood for sushi, but want a sustainable option? Learn about one restaurant that's made the ...
- 11.20.09
- |
- 01:30pm
-
Idealist Launches Global Network
This week, Idealist.org brought their global community to a whole new level when they launched a ...
- 11.20.09
- |
- 01:07pm
-
Gobble Gobble Give: Feeding L.A.'s Homeless For Thanksgiving
Each year, Gobble Gobble Give brings Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of homeless Angelenos. Find o...
- 11.20.09
- |
- 12:16pm
diabetes is reversible