WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DIABETES
	Every 60 seconds at least one person is diagnosed with diabetes. Almost 150,000 people will die this year from diabetes. Diabetes causes your blood sugar to be higher than normal. High blood sugar levels can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that run throughout your body. This can lead to a number of problems, including damage to your eyes (called retinopathy) which can lead to blindness and trouble with your feet which, if bad enough, can lead to amputation. What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert carbohydrates in food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes is a mystery. There are two major types of diabetes -- Insulin dependent (Type 1) and non-insulin dependent (Type 2). Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body does not produce any insulin. It most often occurs in children and young adults. People with Type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to stay alive. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough or properly use insulin. It is the most common form of the disease. KNOW THE SIGNS OF DIABETES Type 1 Diabetes Frequent urination Unusual thirst Extreme Hunger Unusual weight loss Extreme fatigue Irritability Type 2 Diabetes Any of the Type 1 symptoms Frequent infections Blurred vision Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal Tingling numbness in the hands or feet Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections ARE YOU AT RISK? Take this Test. Know the Score.       Please place a check in the box for each statement that is true:   I am a woman who has had a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth.   I have a sister or brother with diabetes.   I have a parent with diabetes.   I am under 65 years of age and I get little or no exercise.   I am between 45 and 64 years of age.   I am 65 years old or older.   My weight is equal to or above that listed in the following chart:     At-Risk Weight Chart Body Mass Index Height Weight feet and inches without shoes in pounds without clothing 4' 10" 123 4' 11" 133 5' 0" 138 5' 1" 143 5' 2" 147 5' 3" 152 5' 4" 157 5' 5" 162 5' 6" 167 5' 7" 172 5' 8" 177 5' 9" 182 5' 10" 188 5' 11" 193 6' 0" 199 6' 1" 204 6' 2" 210 6' 3" 216 6' 4" 221
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