Whether you have diabetes or not, I am about to share seven things you may not already know! These are facts that your doctor may or may not have told you, and things that may not be as commonly read about on the internet.
Let’s dive right in, and keep your eyes open for number three. It may shock you!
#1: Not Everyone with Diabetes Knows They Have it!
Yes, believe it or not, not everyone who has diabetes is aware they have it. In fact, about 1/3 of people with diabetes do not know.
#2: Type 2 Diabetes May Come Without Symptoms
Now it makes sense as to why nearly 1/3 of all people with diabetes don’t know they have it. Type 2 diabetes can easily go undetected because there’s a chance you may not experience any symptoms at all.
#3: If you Have Diabetes you are Twice as Likely to Develop Heart Disease!
Yes, you heard that right. Those with diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing heart disease than those who do not have diabetes. This is why it’s crucial to manage your diabetes appropriately and make healthy diet and lifestyle choices.
#4: Diabetes is the Number One Cause of Blindness in Working-Age Adults
Here’s another shocking statistic that may not have known about. Protecting your eyes, and going to routine eye doctor visits is an important step in managing your diabetes.
#5: Type 2 Diabetes is Much More Prevalent Than Type 1 Diabetes
There’s only about 5% of people with diabetes who have Type 1. Keep in mind though that Type 1 diabetes in children is on the rise, and this number could change.
#6: Diabetes Costs About $174 Billion Dollars Each Year!
How crazy is that number? But sound medical care can help cut costs, as can a healthy diet and lifestyle choices.
#7: With Healthy Lifestyle Choices, Type 2 Diabetes can be Controlled
With a little work, taking good care of yourself, exercising, and eating healthy can all reduce the risk of complications, or prevent diabetes from getting worse.
We are learning more about diabetes every day, as new research is emerging, and scientists are looking into causes, as well as preventative steps for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. As the research comes out, the more we learn.
I hope you found the top 7 facts about diabetes you may not know about interesting! Remember that knowledge is power. The more we know, the better we can prevent disease, and take care of our health.
[expand title=”References“]Joslin Diabetes Center. URL link. Accessed January 20, 2017.[/expand]
