Diabetes Numbers
Could you be at risk?

Fact:  More than 17 million Americans in the U.S. have diabetes, and 6 million people don't even know they have the disease.

Fact:  If left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe complications, including:

Be Aware of the Symptoms
If you have any of these warning signs, contact your family physician immediately:

• frequent urination or excessive thirst
  
• dramatic weight loss
  
• fatigue
  
• blurred vision
  
• slow-healing wounds
  
• extreme hunger
  
• irritability
  
• tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.

(Please note:  These symptoms alone may not suggest that you have diabetes, but when two or more are present, testing is recommended.)

Are you at risk?
Your risk for developing diabetes increases:

• As your age increases.
  
• As your weight increases.
  
• As your activity level increases.
  
• If you are African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander.
  
• If you have high blood pressure (at or above 130/80)
  
• If you have a family history of diabetes.
  
• If you have diabetes during pregnancy or have a baby who weighs more than nine pounds at birth.

To Learn More
For more information about diabetes, call the Diabetes Treatment Center at Lutheran Hospital at 435-7010.