Did you know? - Special Section - diabetes

Diabetes has no cure.

Diabetes is the result of the body's inability to produce or respond to insulin, a hormone that allows blood glucose (blood sugar) to enter the cells of the body and produce energy.

There is an estimated 5 million undiagnosed people with diabetes in the United States.

The disease kills nearly 200,000 Americans annually.

African-Americans over 45, persons who are overweight and those who have a family history of the disease are most at risk.

One in four Black women over 55 and one in four Black men between 65 and 74 are affected by diabetes.

Medical authorities have not been able to fully explain why Blacks are affected at a higher rate, although they believe factors such as heredity, diet and increased incidences of high blood pressure are contributors.

Diabetic symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger and irritability, unexplained weight loss; or weight gain, tingling in fingers and/or toes, nausea, fatigue and vomiting.

Diabetes is one of the most manageable chronic diseases. In many cases, diabetes can be controlled if you eat well-balance meals on a regular basis, exercise regularly, take prescribed medication (if necessary) and test your blood sugar routinely.

Unlike most other diseases, the person affected with diabetes does most of the care.

Inhaled insulin is expected to be widely available to treat those who would prefer that method to injection.

Diabetes is the seventh-leading killer in the United States and the No. I disease causing blindness, kidney ailments and non-traumatic amputations.

Diabetes is the country's second most-costly disease, behind mental disorders.

Manufacturers have created glucose-monitoring systems that require a smaller blood sample, making living with diabetes more comfortable because there is less pain associated with the test.

You don't have to give up the satisfaction that comes with desserts. There are many tasty, sugar-free items designed to satisfy the sweet tooth of diabetics.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group