Understanding risk factors and symptoms
By Dee Griffin
Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the body is either unable to produce enough insulin or the body is unable to use the insulin produced. Both conditions cause an elevation in your blood sugar and in the long run can lead to serious health complications. Several factors increase the risk of developing diabetes which include age, family history, genetics, obesity, poor diet, and limited physical activity.
Detecting and treating diabetes as early as possible is the best defense at avoiding complications down the read. Common symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, blurred vision and slow healing of cuts and bruises. Poor management of diabetes increases your risk of other health problems such as blindness or other eye diseases, kidney disease, nerve damage, and heart disease. Management of diabetes is a key activity to reduce your risk of diabetes related complications later in life.
Some simple lifestyle changes include improving your diet, increasing your physical activity and regular visits to your health care provider can assist in lowering your risk of complications and improve your overall health.
Diabetes is a serious health condition that requires ongoing management to prevent complications. Understanding the risk factors and symptoms of diabetes is important for early detection and effective treatment. By making lifestyle changes, taking medications as prescribed, and monitoring blood glucose levels, individuals with diabetes can successfully manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
Dee Anne Griffin owns Dynamic Health Solutions, LLC and is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in the medical field for more than 20 years. She listens and recommends different options to create a unique plan that fits each individual. When not practicing medicine Griffin spends time on her family farm tending to her animals and is very active in her church. Contact her at 803-454-1661. Her offices are located at 169 A Medical Circle, West Columbia.