You Could Have Diabetes and Not Even Know It

You could be at risk for a heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and a host of other health problems — and not even realize it.

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes — including more than 7 million people who don’t realize they have the disease until serious complications arise.

There are a number of risk factors that can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes, including having metabolic syndrome — a condition that leads to elevated blood pressure, high triglycerides, insulin resistance and low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. An unhealthy weight, a diet high in fat and sugars, a sedentary lifestyle and more also increase your risk.

Your doctor can perform a physical exam and blood tests to determine if you have metabolic syndrome. If you are faced with a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, prediabetes or diabetes, you can take action to keep your blood sugar under control and avoid suffering from diabetes-related complications like losing a foot to amputation or going blind. Healthy lifestyle changes like eating healthier and losing weight can reduce your risk.

Take the first step to protecting your health: Complete our free online health risk assessment to find out if you’re at risk.

Help is At Hand — And It’s Free

Have you already been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or prediabetes? Go online to register for Get Healthy, Live Well’s Diabetes Prevention Program.

If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, sign up for the Living Well With Diabetes workshop or a Tai Chi for Health class.

Get Healthy, Live Well also offers diabetes self-management and nutrition education led by a registered nurse and registered dietitians. A physician referral is required for these programs, so talk to your doctor for more information.