What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other foods into energy needed for daily life. The cause of Diabetes is a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play serious roles in the diagnosis of the most common type of Diabetes - Type 2.

Diabetes affects everyone. There are presently more that 18,000 people with Diabetes in Erie County with medical, social and psychological needs. ECDA is available to assist people in addressing these needs.

The Numbers Speak For Themselves

There are 17 million people with Diabetes in our country and 1/3 don't know it. Pennsylvania is 7th in the nation for diabetes and 15th in the nation for obesity. Are you at risk?

There are also estimated to be about 16 million people who have Pre-Diabetes.  In the majority of cases, people with pre-diabetes will go on to develop diabetes in the future. Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented or delayed.  This has been shown in research studies.

Losing just 5 - 7 % of your current weight and getting regular exercise of 30 minutes a day - 5 times a week can decrease developing Diabetes by 58%.

Prevention of Diabetes

Did you know...

• One third of all people who have diabetes don't know it.
• If you're over 40, overweight and a family history of diabetes, you are at high risk for developing diabetes.
• If you are Native American, Afro-American or Hispanic American your chances are three to five times greater for developing Diabetes.
• If you had a baby over 9 lbs., you are at high risk.
• Take the diabetes risk test.

Warning Signals of Diabetes

Insulin-dependent diabetes, most frequent in children and young adults, is characterized by the sudden appearance of:

C onstant urination

A bnormal thirst

U nusual hunger

T he rapid loss of weigh

I rritability

O bvious weakness and fatigue

N ausea and vomiting

These symptoms appear suddenly. See a doctor immediately! It could mean life for you or your child.

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes usually occurs after the age of 30. It’s now being found in ten year olds!!!!! It may include any of the previously mentioned signs or:

D rowsiness

I tching

A family history of diabetes

B lurred vision

E xcessive weight

T ingling numbness in feet

E asy fatigue

S kin infections and slow healing

Any one of these signals can mean diabetes.  See your doctor to be sure!  Take the test!  Know the Score!