Twenty-one million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes. More than six million people don't know they have it. No one is immune, but knowing the warning signs of diabetes may help you prevent or better manage the disease.

"Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions," says Bonnie Shanis, MD, FACE, an endocrinologist at Central Montgomery Medical Center. "Statistics are alarming."

Nationwide trends are indicative of what's happening in Montgomery County, she adds. Rates have soared mostly due to sedentary lifestyles, an increase in obesity and poor eating habits.

What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which glucose levels are above normal. It occurs when the body cannot adequately metabolize, or break down, sugar.

Type 1 diabetes develops when the pancreas does not secrete insulin, a hormone that helps convert sugar into energy. When insulin is not produced, sugar saturates the bloodstream.

Pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes occurs when the body undergoes a resistance to insulin. Normal quantities of insulin produced by the pancreas are insufficient and blood sugar (glucose) levels skyrocket.

Low to moderate levels of glucose (more than 100 mg/dL before a meal, between 140 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL after a meal) signal a warning that the body is in a pre-diabetic state. If glucose levels remain elevated or rise above 180 mg/dL, a person may be diagnosed with full-blown diabetes.

Warning Signs

Bonnie Shanis, MD, FACE

Anyone can develop the disease, but not everyone experiences symptoms, which may include:

• Frequent urination
• Constant thirst, hunger
• Slow-healing wounds
• Dry, itchy skin
• Numbness, tingling feet
• Fatigue

Managing the Disease
For those with slightly elevated glucose levels (above 100 mg/dL), early intervention may help delay the development of the disease, or prevent disease progression.

Those at risk, or diagnosed with the disease should:

• Monitor glucose levels daily
• Limit sugar, carbohydrate intake
• Incorporate healthy choices into diet
• Exercise regularly
• Lose weight
• Visit their physicians as recommended

People with higher levels of glucose may need medication. Insulin injections often are required for those with type 1 diabetes and advanced type 2 diabetes.

For more tips on diabetes management, please call Dr. Shanis at 215-542-5899.

Blood Sugar Basics
If you have diabetes, controlling your glucose levels is crucial to preventing complications of the disease, which include heart, kidney, eye and gum disease.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends the following target levels for people with diabetes. Check with your physician to determine your optimal range.

Blood-Sugar Levels
Before Meals
90 mg/dL to 130 mg/dL

After Meals
Less than 180 mg/dL

FACT:

• 21 million Americans have diabetes.
• More than six million people don't know they have the disease.
• As many as 41 million people have pre-diabetes, a condition that can lead to full-blown diabetes.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Central Montgomery Medical Center 100 Medical Campus Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446 215-368-2100 | FAX 215-361-4933