Released: November 06, 2001

Diabetes: When Symptoms Missed, Dangers Increase

MANHATTAN, Kan. – More than 15 million Americans are thought to have diabetes, but as many as one third of those who do – more than five million – may not know it, said Mary Meck Higgins, Kansas State University Research and Extension nutrition specialist and diabetes educator.

Symptoms of diabetes often are attributed to aging, lifestyle, and even the weather. Having little or no energy may, for example, be thought to be just a part of getting older. Frequent thirst may be attributed to warmer weather.

"As a result, diabetes can go undetected for years until disease-related problems – like a change in vision – prompt medical treatment," the nutrition specialist/diabetes educator said.

"A simple (and inexpensive) blood test can confirm the diagnosis or rule it out. To help detect diabetes earlier, health experts recommend that people at risk for the disease be screened by age 30.

Some people may, however, put off the testing because they are afraid that they will have to give up their favorite foods. While it’s true that it is necessary to monitor portions more closely, people with diabetes can still enjoy most foods," Higgins said.

"And, there’s more good news – diabetes usually can be managed successfully. Adding 150 minutes (30 minutes, five days a week) of moderate exercise, like walking, and losing as little as 10 pounds may prevent someone from getting diabetes. It also can help a person who already has diabetes keep the disease under control and minimize its effects," she said.

When the disease is undetected – and consequently untreated – the likelihood of medical complications increases. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease; kidney failure; blindness and/or amputation of the hands or feet, Higgins said. Uncontrolled diabetes can be deadly – 200,000 Americans died from the disease last year.

Diabetes results from the body’s inability to produce (or use) insulin needed to convert food into energy. There are two types: Type 1, which requires insulin injections; and Type 2, which often can be treated with adjustments in eating habits and the addition of exercise.

While heredity and ethnic origin are thought to increase the risk of developing diabetes, obesity, inactivity, and preferences for high-calorie foods are thought to have contributed to the rise in the number of people with the disease, she said.

"Until recently, Type 2 Diabetes was thought to be an adult-onset disease. That is no longer the case – children are being diagnosed with it. In fact, 30 percent of those newly diagnosed with diabetes are teens," she said.

A third type – gestational diabetes – is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It affects up to 10 percent of pregnant women and, if untreated, it can harm both mother and baby. As an example, gestational diabetes may cause excessive growth in the baby and increase the risk of diabetes and obesity later in life.

For more information on reducing risks from diabetes, contact your county Extension office.

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Sidebar or box:
What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious disease that is characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). The disease results from a defect in the body’s ability to produce or use insulin.

Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, helps convert food (dietary protein, carbohydrates and fat) into energy. Insulin also is necessary for normal body functions.

Diabetes can be detected with a simple – and inexpensive – blood test.

"The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better. Diabetes can be managed successfully to minimize long-term effects," said Mary Meck Higgins, Kansas State University Research and Extension nutrition specialist and diabetes educator.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson, Communications Specialist
npeterso@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News