Could i have diabetes and not know

On World Diabetes Day, PAHO/WHO recommends: "Know your risk and warning signs, get the care you need"

Washington, D.C., 14 November 2013 (PAHO/WHO) — An estimated 371 million people around the world suffer from diabetes, but half are unaware they have the disease, according to data from the International Diabetes Federation. In the Americas, some 10% of the adult population—nearly 63 million people—have diabetes, but an estimated 44% of them don't know it.

On World Diabetes Day, November 14, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO), is encouraging people throughout the Americas to learn about the risks and warning signs of diabetes, to take steps to prevent the disease, and, if they develop diabetes, to seek the care they need.

"Understanding diabetes is the first step toward prevention, diagnosis and treatment," said Dr. Alberto Barceló, PAHO/WHO advisor on noncommunicable diseases. "World Diabetes Day is a once-a-year opportunity to raise awareness and reduce the impact of one of the world's fastest-growing health problem, which is reaching epidemic proportions."

Often called a "silent disease," diabetes can develop in people without initially producing symptoms. If not properly managed, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart, kidney, vision, and circulatory problems that can lead to permanent disability or even premature death. Diabetes can be prevented or delayed, however, with lifestyle changes.

The leading risk factors for diabetes are family history, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, and obesity or overweight. Eating healthier foods and being physically active can reduce one's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The major warning signs of diabetes are frequent urination, weight loss, lack of energy and excessive thirst. People who experience these signs should get tested and follow their doctors' advice.

But diagnosing diabetes is not just a personal responsibility. "The proportion of people with diabetes who are diagnosed also depends on the ability of medical services to detect new cases," says Barceló. "Diabetes risk assessment and testing need to be integrated into primary care, and services need to be widely accessible to the population."

Improved diabetes prevention, detection and control require healthcare services that are universally accessible, patient-centered and integrated into primary health care along with care for other noncommunicable diseases. In addition, care must be evidence-based and oriented toward prevention as well as empowering patients to better manage their own disease and to prevent complications.

About diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose (hyperglycemia). It is associated with an absolute or relative deficiency in the secretion and/or action of insulin.

There are three main forms of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common, accounting for 85—90% of cases. It is related to modifiable risk factors including obesity or overweight, physical inactivity, and high-calorie diets of low nutritional value.

PAHO, founded in 1902, is the oldest international public health organization in the world. It works with its member countries to improve the health and the quality of life of the people of the Americas. It serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of WHO and is part of the Inter-American system.

Links:

Contacts:

Donna Eberwine-Villagran, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Tel. +1 202 974 3122, Mobile  +1 202 316 5469 or Leticia Linn, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Tel. + 202 974 3440, Mobile +1 202 701 4005 Knowledge Management and Communication, OPS/OMS — www.paho.org

High blood sugar can sneak up on you without any obvious symptoms. In fact, most people don’t know they have high blood sugar until they’ve been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes — and they’ve probably had it for some time. 

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How do you know if you have diabetes? 

The telltale signs of Type 2 diabetes, such as frequent urination and excessive thirst, are often subtle, especially early on. But ignoring them can cause worse health problems down the road. 

Even mild blood sugar elevation can damage your nerves, kidneys and retinas. And the higher your blood sugar levels and the longer you go without treatment, the worse the damage can get. 

“When we diagnose someone, we assume they have probably already had diabetes for about five years,” says endocrinologist Kevin Pantalone, DO. “During screenings, a certain number of people who are newly diagnosed already have been living with kidney problems and retinal issues, so they’ve had it for some time.” 

Dr. Pantalone says there are several symptoms that can occur early on with diabetes. Even if they’re subtle, they’re worth mentioning to your doctor. 

1. You’re making more trips to the bathroom 

Having to go to the bathroom more than normal, particularly at night, is a sign that your blood sugar might be out of whack. For example, Dr. Pantalone says one of his patients came in for a diagnosis after a family member noticed he was using the bathroom during each commercial break when they watched TV. 

2. You’re experiencing urinary or yeast infections often 

When your blood sugar is high and your kidneys can’t filter it well enough, sugar ends up in your urine. More sugar in a warm, moist environment can cause urinary tract and yeast infections, especially in women. 

3. You’re losing weight without trying 

If you have diabetes, your body isn’t able to use glucose (sugar) as effectively for its energy. Instead, your body will start burning fat stores, and you may experience unexpected weight loss. 

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4. Your vision is getting worse 

High sugar levels can distort the lenses in your eyes, worsening your vision. Changes in your eyeglass prescription or vision are sometimes a sign of diabetes. 

5. You’re feeling fatigued or exhausted 

Several underlying causes of fatigue may relate to diabetes/high sugar levels, including dehydration (from frequent urination, which can disrupt sleep) and kidney damage. This feeling of exhaustion is often persistent and can interfere with your daily activities, Dr. Pantalone notes. 

6. You’re noticing skin discoloration 

Something that Dr. Pantalone often sees in people before a diabetes diagnosis is dark skin in their neck folds and over their knuckles. Insulin resistance can cause this condition, known as acanthosis nigricans. 

How the signs are different between men and women 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are more likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at a lower weight. One reason for this is that men tend to store more fat around their stomachs and this is a risk factor. Men who are living with Type 2 diabetes are also more likely to have heart disease. This combination could lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). In fact, the CDC says men who’re living with diabetes are three times more likely to experience ED. Nerve damage from diabetes can also lead to: 

• An overactive bladder (especially at night). 
• Incontinence (leaking urine). 
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs). 
• Retrograde ejaculation (semen is released into the bladder). 
  

How diabetes symptoms differ for women 

Women who’re living with Type 2 diabetes have more to manage. According to the CDC, diabetes can increase the risk of heart disease by about four times in women as compared to two times in men. Women are also at higher risk of other diabetes-related complications such as blindness, kidney disease and depression.  

Women who are living with Type 2 diabetes might also have: 

• A lower sex drive. 
• Longer or heavier periods. 
• Trouble getting pregnant or complications during pregnancy.  
• Weight gain during menopause, which might require an increase in your diabetes medications. 
• Frequent yeast or urinary tract infections. 
  

Type 2 diabetes also affects women from specific ethnic groups differently. African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women are more likely to have diabetes than white women. 

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Ways to prevent Type 2 diabetes 

It’s possible to prevent Type 2 diabetes. Most of it comes down to managing your weight and exercising regularly. Losing just 5% of your current weight can help reverse prediabetes, which is when you have higher blood sugar levels but they’re not high enough for you to be diagnosed with diabetes. It also helps to cut back on processed foods, alcohol, sugary drinks and trans fat. Go for whole grains, lean protein, fruit, non-starchy vegetables, water and unsweetened drinks instead.  

Regular testing can put you in the know 

“Often, what happens is people minimize the symptoms or rationalize them and they get worse until they become severe enough that they have to see someone,” Dr. Pantalone says. “They have excessive weight loss or are really tired of peeing all night.” 

Because symptoms of diabetes are often subtle or nonexistent, especially around the onset, it’s important to see your doctor regularly for a checkup and testing. This is a must if you’re overweight or have risk factors — if diabetes runs in your family, for instance. 

Risk factors include: 

• Being overweight. 
• Being 45-years-old or older. 
• If you’re African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. 
• Living with high blood pressure. 
• Having low HDL (good) cholesterol, or a high level of triglycerides.
• Having a history of gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more. 
• Not being physically active. 
• Having a history of heart disease, stroke, depression or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for Type 2 diabetes if you’re between the ages of 40 and 70. If results are normal, you should repeat the testing every three years. If you have a risk factor, the task force recommends beginning screening at a younger age and testing more frequently. 

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