Why do we ask?  Because these are some important warning signs for diabetes. 

More than 14 million Americans have diabetes and it is estimated that nearly half of them are unaware that they have the disease. Diabetics either produce no insulin at all or not enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose properly. We get glucose in our bodies by eating and digesting food. If our bodies do not use glucose correctly, it will build in the blood stream causing diabetes or hyperglycemia.

There are two main types of diabetes:

• Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus or IDDM occurs when the body can not make insulin on its own and therefore it must be injected on regular basis. 

• Non Insulin Diabetes Mellitus or NIDDM occurs when the body can not produce enough insulin. This type usually can be controlled by diet. Normal blood glucose levels are between 70 mg and 140 mg. It is not uncommon to see this number higher when diabetes is not controlled.

Regular monitoring of blood and urine is crucial for all diabetics. For persons with IDDM this means repeated blood tests-usually fingersticks- throughout the day and especially at meal times. NIDDM persons should check levels a few times a week. Urine dip tests should be done weekly or on a regular basis-according to your care provider-to test for ketones (a product of insulin breakdown).

Diabetes is not curable but it is highly controllable.  Some of the steps to take in managing diabetes are:

If not controlled or monitored, diabetes can lead to many health problems or death. For more information or for answers to your questions, contact you primary care provider or the American Diabetes Association at 800-DIABETES (800-342-2382).