Diabetes

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Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to blindness, heart attack/cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and amputations. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in Connecticut.

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Type 1 Diabetes is commonly described as insulin-dependent diabetes. The bodies of people with Type 1 Diabetes do not produce enough insulin. These people need to take insulin injections. Type 1 Diabetes is usually diagnosed in children.

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With Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas may make insulin but the body may need help using it. Without that help, sugar will build up in the blood causing all kinds of problems.

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Type 2 Diabetes, once thought of as a disease only effecting adults, is now one of the fastest growing diseases among children, primarily as a result of obesity. The percentage of young people who are overweight has doubled since 1980.

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Symptoms of diabetes might include feeling tired, poor eyesight, urinating frequently, feeling thirsty – or there might be no symptoms at all.

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An important step in lowering your risk of diabetes is to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index. Through good nutrition and exercise, you can delay or prevent Type 2 Diabetes from developing.

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Helpful Resources
Contact 1-800-DIABETES
Visit the American Diabetes Association website.