Preventing Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal.  Our body uses glucose as an energy source from the foods we eat. In order to do that, the pancreas makes a hormone called insulin to help get the glucose into the cells of our bodies. When you have diabetes, your body either can’t use the insulin it produces or can’t make enough insulin. When this happens the sugar builds up in your body.

The buildup of sugar levels in the body can cause serious health conditions such as kidney failure, blindness, heart disease and poor circulation that can lead to lower-extremity amputations.

If you are a senior, obese, have a family history of diabetes or physically inactive, you could be at a higher risk for diabetes. African Americans, American Indians, Hispanics and some Asian Americans are at particular high risk for diabetes.

There are things that you can do lower your risk of diabetes. Research studies have found that moderate weight loss and exercise can prevent or delay diabetes among adults at high-risk. For more information on how to prevent diabetes, Elaine Dyer will be speaking on diabetes prevention at Mercy Memorial Hospital at 6:30 PM on November 18 as part of the Passport to Wellness series of health seminars. Come and learn more on how you can prevent diabetes in your life and your love ones.