Diabetes is a more common condition than many people realize. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than a half million adults in Louisiana have diabetes and 27,000 more will be diagnosed each year.
 
What is diabetes?
Diabetes happens when the body has trouble controlling blood sugar levels. Type 2 is the most common form. It’s a lifelong condition, but there are steps you can take to manage it and avoid serious medical problems that can come with it.
 
What are the warning signs?
While some people have no symptoms, others report having:

• Increased hunger and thirst
• The need to urinate often
• Fatigue
• Sores or cuts that don’t heal
• Blurred vision
• Tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet

 
Can it be prevented?
Lifestyle changes – like having a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and quitting tobacco – can help you avoid type 2 diabetes. Staying active can help, too.
 
What if I already have it?
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you can still live a full and productive life by taking charge of your health. There are many treatments to help you manage diabetes. Talk to your doctor about which options are right for you.