Harsh Realities
Death and Major Complications
The sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes causes over 215,000 deaths every year.
Worldwide: 3.2 million deaths every year and six deaths attributable to diabetes or related conditions every minute.
Heart Disease is the leading cause of diabetes-related deaths.
Diabetics are 2 to 4 times more likely to die of heart Disease; and 6 times more likely to suffer a Stroke. 65% of diabetic deaths are due to Heart Disease or Stroke.
Diabetics have 3 to 4 times the risk of developing liver cancer and more than twice the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Diabetic Retinopathy causes 12,000 to 24,000 new cases of Blindness each year.
The leading cause of end-stage kidney disease, accounting for 44% of new cases; and Major cause of kidney dialysis and kidney transplant.
70% of diabetics suffer mild to severe forms of nerve system damage (diabetic neuropathy); and greater risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) combining to be the leading cause of most non-traumatic lower-limb amputations (82,000).
Three times more likely to die of complications from flu or pneumonia; up to 30,000 people a year.
More Complications and Statistics of Diabetes
33% have periodontal (gum) disease.
73% have or are being treated for high blood pressure.
Poorly controlled diabetes can cause major birth defects during pregnancy; and miscarriages in 15 20% of diabetics pregnancies; and greater risk to mother and child during pregnancy.
Diabetics are 65% more likely to develop Alzheimers disease.
25 30% of all diabetics in the United States are black or Hispanic.
Asian Americans have a 60% greater chance for developing diabetes than Caucasian Americans.
15% of U.S. entire annual Health Care cost or $137 Billion Dollars.
Group Communication
Latest Host Announcement: MARTY IS GONE FROM CARE TWO
Oct 5, 2009
No explanation, etc. Will try to keep this group, but I don't have a lot of time. Will look in on a random basis. Anyone that is a host here, can seek ownership with a help form to care two. All for now. OH and the reminder of last notice...
Posting of even helpful info, for profit, via an email address, is not allowed on Care two.
Blog: Diabetes Cases Almost Double in Ohio
by Past Member
(0 comments | 0 discussions) — Diabetes Cases Almost Double in OhioCOLUMBUS, Ohio - Health officials say the number of diabetes cases in Ohio has almost doubled in about a decade, which some attribute to poor eating habits and inactivity. The rise among children is especially grabb... more »
Blog: FDA Warns About 2 Diabetes Drugs, Avandia and Avandamet
by Past Member
(0 comments | 0 discussions) — FDA Warns About 2 Diabetes Drugs, Avandia and AvandametGlaxoSmithKline and FDA notified healthcare professionals about post-marketing reports of new onset and worsening diabetic macular edema for patients receiving rosiglitazone. Drugs Referenced:Avan... more »
So your wife is nagging you about your diabetes. She doesn't think you take it seriously. And you don't like it when she withholds dessert and checks your breath for chocolate when you come home from work. You know she just wants the best for you. Diabetes is now the sixth leading cause of death in this country and a major cause of heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and amputated limbs.
But it doesn't have to be that way. Most of the complications of diabetes can be prevented by how you choose to live. And it's not just about sugar.
Quiz for Life
See how well you do on this quiz, adapted from the American Diabetes Association:
If you have diabetes, the ABCs you need to know are, a) Avoid Bad Carbohydrates; b) A1C, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol; c) Always Be Cautious.
A1C is a blood test that tells your level of blood sugar (glucose) control over the past two to three, a) months; b) days; c) Thanksgivings.
If your A1C is more than 7, you need, a) less dressing and gravy; b) more exercise; c) different medicine; d) a swift kick in the pants; e) a visit with your doctor.
If you have diabetes, your blood pressure should be, a) less than 130/80; b) checked often; c) controlled with diet, exercise and medications, if needed.
DASH is an eating plan called, a) Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension; b) Do Avoid Sodium Hikes; c) Don't Always Salt Ham.
The DASH diet includes nutrients that regulate blood pressure from, a) fruits and vegetables; b) dairy foods; c) nuts, beans and legumes, d) all of these.
Big meals cause a surge of sugar (glucose) into your blood that, a) make your wife mad at you; b) create "oxidative stress" on your blood vessels and damage your arteries; c) worsens your diabetes.
Carbohydrates are, a) the devil; b) sugars and starches in foods; c) necessary for good health; d) found in fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, milk and yogurt.
If you have diabetes, you can, a) kiss pumpkin pie goodbye; b) eat moderate amounts of carbohydrates at each meal; c) eat candy when no one is looking; d) check your blood sugar level two hours after a meal.
In terms of carbohydrates, one cup of cooked rice or pasta can be expected to raise your blood sugar levels as much as, a) three slices of bread; b) four small kiwi fruit; c) a partridge in a pear tree.
Regular exercise, a) lowers blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels; b) helps your body use its natural insulin more efficiently; c) makes you leap over tall buildings in a single bound.
If you are overweight, you can greatly improve your diabetes if you lose, a) every bit of fat on your body; b) 7 percent to 10 percent of your current weight; c) your scale. It's your life. And you're in control. You can do it.
