Diabetes

Facts and Figures

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 23.6 million adults and children in the United States have diabetes, over 8% of the total population. The Sinai Improving Community Health Survey reported that 14% of the total population of the Greater Humboldt Park community has been diagnosed with diabetes and estimated that as many as 31% of all Puerto Ricans living in the community have the disease.

Risk Factors*

having impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose (IFG)
being over age 45
having a family history of diabetes
are overweight
not exercising regularly
having low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides, high blood pressure
being Non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and American Indians and Alaska Natives
having gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant), or having a baby weighing 9 pounds or more at birth

Symptoms*

The following list includes some symptoms of Type II Diabetes; however, it is important to remember that often people with diabetes have no symptoms of the disease. The only way to be sure is to visit your doctor.

Frequent urination
Unusual thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Extreme fatigue and Irritability

Frequent infections
Blurred vision
Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

Links

Sinai Improving Community Health Survey

American Diabetes Association

*information obtained from the American Diabetes Association website