November is National Diabetes Month, and the Berrien County Health Department is telling everyone how they can watch themselves for the illness.
Berrien County Health Officer Guy Miller says type 1 diabetes is genetic and can’t really be prevented. But type 2 is influenced by lifestyle.
What are the biggest causes?
“Exercise and weight,” Miller said. “We see a lot of people who are less active, less mobile and have poor eating habits tend to develop diabetes earlier.”
Nationally, Miller says about 11% of the population has diabetes, and Berrien County’s rate about matches that. If diabetes goes unmanaged, it can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
Miller says although there are symptoms, it’s best to get checked on a regular basis.
“A large proportion of diabetics actually might not know that they’re diabetic. So, number one, I would say it’s important to ask the question to your doctor, it’s important to get into your doctor for an annual visit. A blood sugar test should be on your panel of tests that are being done.”
Some of the warning signs are frequent urination, unquenchable thirst, blurred vision, or tingling hands and feet. Miller notes if you get treatment, the worst effects of diabetes can be prevented.
