According to the
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, you are at risk for diabetes if any of these statements describes you:
- I am overweight
- I am more than 45 years of age (those over 65 years of age are even higher risks)
- I am inactive and get little or no exercise
- I am a woman who had a baby weighing over nine pounds at birth
- I am woman who has had gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- I have a sibling or a parent with diabetes.
- I have high blood pressure (more than equal to 140/90)
- I am a member of a high risk ethnic group (African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
Signs and symptoms of diabetes include the following:
- Urinating often
- Urinating at night
- Being very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry or tired
- Losing weight without trying
- Slow to heal sores
- Dry, itchy skin
- Tingling or numbness in legs, feet or fingers
- Blurry eyesight
- Frequent yeast infections
Harrisburg-area endocrinologist Wilfred Victorina, MD, FACE, says that awareness is the key. “While medications can help control diabetes, taking charge of your health is the most important thing you can do. A good diabetes treatment plan will include lifestyle modifications including managing weight and increasing physical activity. You are better off being active, no matter what your weight or medical history. Remember that, even if you are genetically predisposed, there is still so much you can do. Your mother’s or grandfather’s story doesn’t have to be your own.”
Talk to your doctor if you think you may be at risk for diabetes.