14 November, 2007

Today is world diabetes day


From the World Diabetes Day website:

Today, more than 240 million people worldwide are living with diabetes. Within 20 years, this number is expected to grow to 380 million.

This is a huge number and a lot of people with type 2 diabetes don't know they have it. When I was diagnosed with type 2, I had no obvious symptoms. The only indicators I had were a family history and having gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with Chickie. I had to have insulin shots while pregnant and apparently this meant I had a 50% risk of getting type 2 diabetes within 5 years. Due to this my doctor sent me off for a yearly test and that's how it was picked up.

If you'd like more information about diabetes or want to see if you're at risk, try this page.

If you think you're at risk, I would strongly encourage you to see your doctor and get tested. The earlier you find it, the better.

7 comments:

Melinda said...

You were very fortunate to have a great Doctor! My grandmother developed diabetes at age 72. I have my blood checked often. I really like sweets and it makes me nervous that that is an indicator of me becoming diabetic. Thanks for the info

Oh great One said...

I go in tomorrow to have the three hour glucose test to see if all my hard work has paid off. I'm so thankful my doctor caught me early. Hopefully I can fend it off!

caramaena said...

I'm glad you get checked regularly melinda. The earlier you catch it, the easier it is to deal with - like most things!

ogo - good luck with your test. From what I've read you've put in a tremendous effort since you saw the doctor that time. Good for you :)

Bernard said...

Caramaena

Happy (?) World Diabetes Day. Thanks for helping people check out whether they might have diabetes.

When I got Type 1, I also had absolutely no family history. So it really can hit anyone.

M said...

My 2 nieces were diagnosed as type 1 diabetic when they were 18 months and 2 years old. They are now in their early teens and I don't think their parents have slept a full night since they found out because of the worry of them having a "low" in the middle of the night.

High Power Rocketry said...

eat less sugar.

caramaena said...

bernard, thanks and hope you had happy (?) day too! I must admit coming from a type 2 perspective, I realise I don't know a lot about type 1.

m - that would be tough. Since I have type 2 that is controlled by diet and exercise, I don't have the same sorts of things to worry about. I read about the lows that some people experience in the middle of the night and I can completely understand the worry.