Am I at Risk? 
It is estimated that 16 million Americans have diabetes,
but as many as half of them do not know it. If left untreated, diabetes
can lead to blindness, stroke, kidney failure, heart attack and amputations.
However, when detected early and treated correctly, diabetes can be controlled.
So why do so many have this disease and not know
it? The symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked or explained away.
Often, diabetes will progress and manifest itself in other life threatening
illnesses such as heart disease, neuropathy or kidney failure.
Early diagnosis can save your life. With proper treatment
diabetes can be controlled and complications avoided or delayed. Everyone
should be aware of this disease and its symptoms, as it is more common
than was ever anticipated.
The following questions may help determine whether you are at higher risk
for diabetes mellitus:
- Do you have a family history of diabetes?
- Are you overweight?
- Are you inactive?
- Are you over age 45?
- Are you a woman who has delivered a baby weighing
more than 9 pounds at birth?
- Are you African American, Hispanic, Native American
or Asian American?
If you answered "yes"
to any of these questions, ask your healthcare provider if you should
be checked for diabetes.
There are several warning signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus. These
include:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue or weakness
- Tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
- Frequent skin, gum, bladder or vaginal infections
If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare
provider. 
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