Released: November 09, 2001

As seen in this week's News Briefs 

Diabetes: Test Can Reduce Complications

The number of people who have diabetes – which results from the body’s inability to produce (or use) the insulin needed to convert food into energy – is on the rise.

People often put off being tested to see if they have diabetes because they are afraid that they may have to give up their favorite foods, said Mary Meck Higgins, Kansas State University Research and Extension nutrition specialist and diabetes educator.

Allowing the disease to go undetected can increase complications, including heart, kidney and/or vision problems.

Usually, however, the disease can be managed successfully. Often, reducing serving sizes of high-calorie foods, losing weight (as little as 10 pounds) and adding 30 minutes of moderate exercise is all that’s needed, she said.

More information on reducing risks from diabetes and other diseases is available from every county K-State Research and Extension office.

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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