Diet, exercise key to controlling diabetes, experts say
by Linda Compton, Reporter

Association claims 5.4 million Americans unaware they have disease

"We do not eat nutritional food, have regular exercise regimens, get regular checkups or rest properly."

Veronica Warrior, SE coordinator of health services

    Millions of Americans may have a life-threatening disease and not know it.

    According to the American Diabetes Association, almost 16 million Americans have diabetes.

    Of those, 5.4 million do not know they have this condition. Experts agree that type II diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the United States.

    Type I diabetes usually affects children and young adults.

    Type II, the most common, is usually referred to as adult-onset diabetes.

    In this type, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.Ê

    Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and the body needs insulin to use sugar.Ê Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.Ê

    According to the ADA, when glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems: cells may be starved for energy immediately and, over time, high bloodÊglucose levels may hurt one's eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

    The greatest rates of increase are in the young age category, according to Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.

    Prevalence of diabetes now shows a 600 percent increase in 10-20 year olds, 70 percent increase in 20-39 year olds, 40 percent increase in 40-49 year olds and 30 percent in 50-59 year olds.

    Type II diabetes appears to be increasing because of Americans' tendencies to eat too much high-fat food and exercise too little.

    "We do not eat nutritional food, have regular exercise regimens, get regular check ups or rest appropriately," Veronica Warrior, SE coordinator of health services, said.

    Diabetes can develop when the body cannot effectively control the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood.

    "So many of our health problems can be avoided through diet, exercise and making sure we take care of ourselves. By promoting healthy lifestyles, we can improve the quality of life for all Americans," the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease reports.

    The number one factor in the development of type II diabetes is lifestyle. Genetics may set the stage, but lifestyle determines the outcome. According to Harrison's, approximately 62 percent of the population is overweight with a body mass index of more than 27.

    Early warning signs of diabetes include frequent episodes of blurred vision, dry skin, frequent urination, fatigue, hunger, nausea and several elevated blood glucose tests.

    Those with the disease report Type II diabetes can be miserable, causing problems with the kidneys, legs and feet, eyes, heart, nerves and blood vessels. Left untreated, these problems can lead to eye, kidney and heart disease, nerve damage, stroke, gangrene and amputation.

    Warrior said that diabetes can be controlled even if it cannot be prevented or cured.

    "Many times if individuals live a healthy life by getting regular check-ups or complete physicals annually, eating nutritionally, exercising two to three times a week, not smoking or drinking, keeping their weight appropriate to their height and body size and getting enough rest, they can prolong the possibilities of getting diabetes," she said.