Am I at risk?

Newly diagnosed patients

What is diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes

Gestational diabetes

Complications caused by diabetes

Symptoms of diabetes

Diabetes facts

Glossary of terms

FDA clearance information

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Diabetes education and links

It is estimated that 16 million Americans have diabetes, but as many as half of them do not know it. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to blindness, stroke, kidney failure, heart attack and amputations. However, when detected early and treated correctly, diabetes can be controlled.

So why do so many have this disease and not know it? The symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked or explained away. Often, diabetes will progress and manifest itself in other life threatening illnesses such as heart disease, neuropathy or kidney failure.

Early diagnosis can save your life. With proper treatment diabetes can be controlled and complications avoided or delayed. Everyone should be aware of this disease and its symptoms, as it is more common than was ever anticipated.

The following questions may help determine whether you are at higher risk for diabetes mellitus:

• Do you have a family history of diabetes?
• Are you overweight?
• Are you inactive?
• Are you over age 45?
• Are you a woman who has delivered a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth?
• Are you African American, Hispanic, Native American or Asian American?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, ask your healthcare provider if you should be checked for diabetes.

There are several warning signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus. These include:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blurry vision
• Fatigue or weakness
• Tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
• Frequent skin, gum, bladder or vaginal infections

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.