Did you know that 1 out of every 3 adults has diabetes or pre-diabetes? Current trends indicate that 1 out of 2 children will possibly develop diabetes in their adult life by 2050 if nothing is done to avert such a problem. It is essential to take charge of your health and ensure you take care of your body by eating healthy, exercising, and getting regular checkups.
Risk Factors for Diabetes
Several risk factors might predispose you to diabetes, including high blood pressure, cholesterol, and calorie intake. Individuals over 45 years old for men and over 55 for women have a higher risk of developing diabetes. Other factors that increase the possibility of developing diabetes include obesity, smoking, and a family history of type II diabetes.
Unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise may predispose you to diabetes. Genetics plays a role in developing the disease. Conditions such as pregnancy might predispose you to diabetes. Most people are unaware of these risk factors, and November is the ideal time to increase public recognition of diabetes and its risk factors.
Interestingly, most people with diabetes have not been diagnosed. According to the CDC, 34.2 million US adults have diabetes, and 1 in 5 of them don’t know they have it. Fortunately, several organizations advocate screening tests, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the International Diabetes Federation. These diabetes tests are free during certain occasions, including the follow-up test for pre-diabetics.
Symptoms of Diabetes
If you have any of the following symptoms, see your Bethany provider about getting your blood sugar tested today:
- Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night
- Are very thirsty
- Lose weight without trying
- Are very hungry
- Have blurry vision
- Have numb or tingling hands or feet
- Feel very tired
- Have very dry skin
- Have sores that heal slowly
- Have more infections than usual
Diabetes can lead to other conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Diabetes has no known cure, but there are many ways to manage the symptoms of the condition including losing weight, eating healthy food and being active.
Make an appointment today to discuss your health today!
What Medicare Covers Concerning Diabetes
Diabetes patients can rely on Medicare to cover most medical supplies needed by people with diabetes. You can access glucose control solutions, blood sugar monitors, and sugar test strips at affordable rates if you have Medicare. In addition, Medicare covers medical supplies for diabetes complications such as a diabetic foot. You can get therapeutic shoes at approximately 20 percent of the stated amount.
