WELLNESS & WELL-BEING
November is American
Diabetes Month
By Vi c k i Fr e n c h B e n n i n g t o n
Academy
Award-winner
Halle Berry was
diagnosed with
diabetes when
she was 22.
Just a few of the available resources for
diabetes in the greater St. Louis area:
• The Mercy Diabetes and Nutrition Center, 12200 Weber
Hill Road, St. Louis, MO 63127, (636) 390-1684
• American Diabetes Association, 9440 Manchester Road,
St. Louis, MO 63119, (618) 277-7116
• Endocrine Treatment Center, 4921 Parkview Place, #13A,
St. Louis, MO 63110, (314) 333-4100
• Barnes-Jewish Hospital Diabetes and Endocrinology,
4921 Parkview Place, #13B, St. Louis, MO 63110,
(314) 747-7300
S
ome people think that Type 2 diabetes is reserved only for
those who are overweight, do not eat healthy or those who
live a sedentary lifestyle.
And while those factors can certainly contribute to the
onset of the disease, factors like family history can bring on
a diagnosis that takes people by surprise.
According to the American Diabetes Association, Type 2 diabetes is
the most common form of the disease. Some people with Type 2 can
control their blood glucose with healthy eating and exercise, but may
also need oral medications or insulin. Type 2 occurs when your body
does not use insulin properly. It is more prevalent in African-Americans,
Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. Type
1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin. Previously
known as juvenile diabetes, it is now known that it can be diagnosed at
any age, in every race and at every size.
American Diabetes Month raises awareness, which can help those
undiagnosed, as well as those who are currently dealing with either
type of diabetes. Symptoms, especially for Type 2, can sometimes be
stealthy, and people may go for a long period of time before realizing they
have diabetes. Common symptoms include an excessive feeling of thirst,
frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, slow-healing cuts or
bruises, and tingling or numbness in hands or feet. The most important
thing is to have regular checkups so diabetes can be caught early.
ADA states that for both types, it is believed a person inherits a
predisposition to the disease, then something in the environment
triggers it, such as a virus, diet, or even climate. In most cases of Type 1,
people inherit risk factors from both parents. In Type 2, lifestyle plays a
role, and studies show that Type 2 can possibly be delayed by exercising
and losing weight. But anyone can be diagnosed with diabetes,
even world-class athletes or the rich and famous. Case in point: The
physically fit Halle Berry was first diagnosed with diabetes when she
was 22. Actress Salma Hayek had gestational diabetes, which as the
name suggests, occurs during pregnancy – usually around the 24th
week. Hayek has a family history of diabetes, but just because a woman
has gestational diabetes, it does not necessarily mean she had it before
she was pregnant, or that she will have it after the baby is born.
About 30.3 million Americans - in all - have diabetes, with about 1.5
million diagnosed every year. For more information, visit diabetes.org.
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY
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