Chances are you have diabetes or know someone with the common condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "More than 37 million Americans have diabetes (about 1 in 10), and approximately 90-95% of them have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes most often develops in people over age 45, but more and more children, teens, and young adults are also developing it." When left untreated, diabetes can cause serious health issues and knowing the signs and how to prevent the condition can be lifesaving. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Eric Stahl, MD Non-Invasive Cardiologist at Staten Island University Hospital who shares what to know about diabetes. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. Stahl explains, "Diabetes is a condition in which the body's regulation of blood sugar becomes disrupted. Cells need insulin to absorb sugar. When the body does not produce insulin (type I diabetes) or the body stops responding to its insulin (type 2 diabetes), blood sugar builds up in the blood. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels cause damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, blood vessels, and nerves."

According to Dr. Stahl, "Being overweight or obese is the most significant risk factor for developing diabetes. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and stress increase the risk for diabetes. Finally, those who are related to family members who have diabetes or those who have certain racial or ethnic backgrounds (African-American, Asian-American, Latino/Hispanic-American, Native American, or Pacific-Islander descent) should be screened more regularly due to their increased risk."

"Untreated diabetes and elevated blood sugar levels over time can cause serious medical problems, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, peripheral artery disease, eye damage, and nerve damage," says Dr. Stahl. 

Dr. Stahl tells us, "Those with diabetes, even uncontrolled, can remain asymptomatic for some time. Others may experience increased thirst, urination, appetite, fatigue, blurred vision, and weight loss." 

Dr. Stahl recommends, "Because of its occasional insidious onset, everyone over the age of 45 years old should be screened for diabetes. Additionally, screening is recommended for those younger than 45 years old who are overweight and have additional risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history of diabetes, are a certain racial or ethnic background (African-American, Asian-American, Latino/Hispanic-American, Native American, or Pacific-Islander descent) or have a personal history of gestational diabetes. Screening is performed by blood test- either a fasting blood sugar level or hemoglobin A1C, which is an average blood sugar level over the previous 2 to 3 months."

Dr. Stahl emphasizes, "The development of diabetes is related to a number of different factors. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet typically contribute to insulin resistance (failure to respond to insulin). Family history and genetics generally are responsible for impaired or decreased insulin production. In combination, blood sugar levels rise which eventually leads to diabetes and further disruption of insulin production and effectiveness." 

Dr. Stahl says, "Lifestyle changes are the most important aspect of diabetes prevention. Even modest weight loss and increased physical activity can make a significant impact. Diabetes prevention should also focus on controlling blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, and quitting smoking." 

The post This is the #1 Cause of Type 2 Diabetes appeared first on Eat This Not That.

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By: Heather Newgen
Title: This is the #1 Cause of Type 2 Diabetes
Sourced From: www.eatthis.com/this-is-the-1-cause-of-type-2-diabetes/
Published Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2022 11:15:12 +0000

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