November is Diabetes Awareness month and at AFC Urgent Care Danbury we want you to be aware of the danger signs of diabetes. As of 2014 National Diabetes Association statistics, in the U.S alone, over 25 million people suffer from diabetes, and it is estimated that of those 25 million, about half of them are simply not aware that they have it. Untreated diabetes often has devastating and long range effects.
When diagnosed and treated at an early stage, diabetes is treatable, and most of the treatment is lifestyle related: a healthy lifestyle including exercising, eating right, not smoking, limited alcohol consumption, all help keep diabetes under control. Often times, an oral Diabetes medication is needed to control insulin levels as well.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, please get screened for diabetes so that you can get a proper diagnose and be treated before the warning signs manifest into more serious medical complications, sometimes life threatening, caused by diabetes.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes:
The most common symptoms of diabetes include blurred vision, weight loss ( despite a good diet), increased thirst, increased urination, nerve pain or numbness in hands and or feet.
When not treated early on, complications can include: severe kidney problems leading to possible dialysis,premature heart attacks or strokes, cuts and infections that can lead to amputation, severe nerve damage that can do the same. On average, a person with diabetes has a life span 10 to 15 years less than a person without diabetes.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms and you have reason to suspect you might have diabetes, please come see us at either of our Danbury urgent care centers, 2 Main street or 100 Mill Plain Road, or visit your primary doctor where an A1C screening can be performed.
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