Each November, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) observes American Diabetes Month, an important element in the ADA’s effort to raise awareness of diabetes and to promote a life free of the disease and all its burdens. It is estimated that nearly 26 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes, with another 79 million Americans affected with pre-diabetes and at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is a disorder of the endocrine (hormone) system, and occurs when blood sugar levels in the body consistently stay above normal. Diabetes is brought on by either the body’s inability to make insulin (type 1 diabetes) or by the body not responding to the effects of insulin (type 2 diabetes). It can also occur during pregnancy. Insulin is one of the main hormones that regulates blood sugar levels and allows the body to use sugar for energy.
Pre-diabetes, or impaired glucose tolerance, is when a person’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Once type 2 diabetes develops, symptoms can include:
• unusual thirst
• a frequent need to urinate
• blurred vision
• extreme fatigue
Other times, there are no symptoms. In many cases, pre- and type 2 diabetes are preventable, with lifestyle and diet changes. In type 1 diabetes, however, the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Therefore the body produces no insulin, so people with type 1diabetes must use insulin injections to control their blood sugar.
Diabetes also increases your risk of other health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation. Additionally, about 60-70 percent of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve damage that could result in pain in the feet and hands, slowed digestion, sexual dysfunction and other nerve problems. The ADA estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. is $245 billion each year.
For more information about American Diabetes Month, please visit www.diabetes.org
In an effort to ensure your upcoming procedure goes smooth, we ask that you please make contact with our Pre-Assessment Testing Department to go over your medical history, medications, and address any questions or concerns that you may have prior to your procedure.
Please call (972) 569-2751 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at least 3 – 7 days prior to your procedure.
It is imperative that this discussion takes place at least 3 days prior to your procedure to avoid any potential delays. You may also receive a phone call from a nurse at Methodist McKinney Hospital, 972-569-2700 attempting to gather your information if a discussion has not already taken place.
Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to caring for you.
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