November is Diabetes Awareness Month. It’s significant to me, because I’ve had several family members and friends suffer from this disease. Unfortunately, all of them are dead.
I’ll spare you the usual grim list of statistics, and just give you two from the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet:
- 8.3% of America’s Total population have diabetes, 25.8 million children and adults; and
- 79.0 Million Americans have prediabetes, which is the precursor to Type 2 diabetes. 95% of people with diabetes, have the Type 2 variety.
What makes these numbers so tragic, is that Type 2 diabetes is basically a disease of lifestyle. It is highly preventable. Sadly, many people continue to plunge head first into its abyss.
So, as a public service to you, I’ll give you 10 reasons why you don’t want diabetes in your life. This information was obtained from the American Diabetes Association and Webmd.com.
The top 10 reasons why you don’t want diabetes are:
- You’ll be 2 to 4 times more likely to die from heart disease.
- You’ll have a 2 to 4 times higher risk of stroke.
- 67% of adults with the disease, also have high blood pressure.
- Among Adults over age 20, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness.
- Over 60% of diabetes have mild to severe damage to their nervous systems.
- Diabetics account for more than 60% of the lower-limb amputations in America.
- Diabetes inhibits your body’s ability to fight infection.
- Diabetics have a greater risk of kidney failure.
- An increased risk of serious dental and oral health problems.
- Men with diabetes, have a higher likelihood of erectile dysfunction (ED).
For more information on diabetes, check out these links to the American Diabetes Association and Webmd.com.
The Bottom Line: The risk of developing diabetes shouldn’t be taken lightly. Practicing some simple lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of diabetes and many other serious diseases. It’s all within your control.
In my next two posts, I’ll take a look at what actions you can take to keep this monster away.
It’s your life, live well.
