Learning About Your Diabetes Risk

By Jamie Strauss, R.D., L.D.N., Clinical Dietitian, Sinai Hospital

How many people do you know have diabetes? How many of those people that have diabetes knew they were at risk? And how many people are walking around undiagnosed?

November is American Diabetes Month. It is as a time for the American Diabetes Association to communicate and promote awareness of the seriousness and importance of diabetes prevention and control.

Here are some diabetes statistics from the ADA:

• 7.8 percent of the United States’ population has diabetes, which means 23.6 million children and adults
• 17.9 million people are diagnosed
• 5.7 million people are undiagnosed
• 57 million people have pre-diabetes
• Diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death listed on U.S. death certificates in 2006
• Adults with diabetes have heart disease death rates about 2 to 4 times higher than adults without diabetes
• The risk for stroke is 2 to 4 times higher among people with diabetes
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure (accounting for 44 percent of new cases in 2005)

In 2009, the American Diabetes Association launched a national movement to “Stop Diabetes.” You can lower your risk by lowering your weight and making healthy food choices. In one study, people who exercised 30 minutes a day 5 days a week lowered their risk of Type 2 diabetes.

To learn more about the Sinai Hospital Diabetes Resource Center or the Diabetes and Nutrition Center at Northwest Hospital, call 410-601-WELL (9355).