Are You At Risk?

Do you know the risks of diabetes? You should. Diabetes is among the leading causes of death in the United States. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, blindness, stroke, kidney and nerve damage, amputation and even death. If two or more of the following apply to you, you may be at risk for diabetes and should talk to your physician immediately about a diabetes screen:

• You have a relative with diabetes.
• You are overweight.
• You do not exercise.
• You are over the age of 45.
• Your blood pressure is high, at or above 130/80.
• You had gestational diabetes while pregnant.
• You gave birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds?
• You are of African American, Latino, Native American, Asian-American or Pacific Islander descent.

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.

For Additional Information
Call Lutheran Diabetes Education at (260) 435-7844.