Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body does not make, or
properly use, insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use the
energy from sugar, starches and other foods.
What Causes Diabetes? Type I diabetes is caused by the destruction of
the body’s insulin producing cells. Type II diabetes has several causes.
Heredity, age, and weight are involved. Most people with Type II diabetes
make enough insulin, but are not able to use it properly. Weight loss and
exercise can greatly improve this problem.
17 million Americans have diabetes.
5.9 million don’t know they have it so they don’t get treatment.
Why Be Concerned?
Diabetes is our fourth leading cause of death by disease and the leading
cause of new cases of kidney disease, blindness, amputation and impotence.
Heart disease and stroke are 2 to 6 times more common in people with
diabetes.
There is no cure yet, but it can be controlled. You can lead a long
healthy life with diabetes. The first step is to learn about diabetes so
you can control it.
Look for up coming dates to learn about nutrition, exercise,
medications, stress and emotional factors related to diabetes, acute
complications, how you can manage your diabetes, and community and health
resources.
For information on classes, call 714-4726. Or email diabetes@cpgh.org.
