Can you figure out the common link between: being older than 45, giving birth to a baby that weighs more than 9 pounds and high blood pressure?

They are all risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes

This month is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time when health organizations try to raise awareness about risk factors, symptoms and prevention of a disease that is becoming more and more common in this country.

Diabetes is a result of our bodies either not producing enough insulin or not processing it properly.

The only way to know for sure if you have diabetes is with a blood test to measure the level of sugar in your bloodstream, but certain symptoms may hint that you should get tested.

Common diabetes symptoms:

  • Excessive fatigue
  • Being frequently hungry or thirsty
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Sudden weight loss

If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, there are many ways to control the disease. Sometimes medicine is required, but some people may be able to control diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise.

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