HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Wolf Administration is encouraging all Pennsylvanians to be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes and the ways to reduce the risk of developing the disease by practicing a healthy lifestyle and regularly seeing a primary care provider.
“Diabetes is a chronic disease in which blood sugar levels are above normal,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine (pictured above). “Diabetes must be managed effectively; if not, this disease can lead to a number of serious health conditions, including adult blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputations. Diagnosed diabetes costs an estimated $12.9 billion in Pennsylvania each year.
Nearly 11 percent of adults in Pennsylvania have diabetes, and a significant number of those are not aware of it, which greatly increases their health risk. One in three adults has prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but are not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. This means that almost half of all Pennsylvanians either have diabetes or are at significant risk of developing diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are encouraged to talk to their primary care physician about participating in a diabetes self-management education and support program to learn how to better manage their disease.
People can develop diabetes because the pancreas produces little or no insulin, or because insulin is not used properly. There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a disease of the immune system and typically starts out during the childhood and young adult years. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease in adults. Type 2 diabetes typically begins when insulin is not used properly. Over time, the pancreas becomes unable to produce enough insulin. Managing type 2 diabetes requires maintaining a healthy weight; making healthy food choices; and getting regular physical activity are essential.
The best way to prevent developing type 2 diabetes is to regularly see a primary care provider and maintain a healthy lifestyle. There is a screening tool developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that allows individuals to determine if they have prediabetes, which often leads to diabetes. Individuals with prediabetes are encouraged to attend a local or an online Diabetes Prevention Program, where they will learn how to eat healthfully, add physical activity to their daily life, and deal with stress.
Symptoms of diabetes include:
· Increased thirst and urination;
· Unexplained weight loss;
· Blurred vision; and
· Feeling tired all the time.
High blood pressure or elevated cholesterol is also associated with type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is more common in certain racial and ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, and others.
More information on diabetes can be found on the Department of Health’s website at health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
