Do Your Habits Invite Diabetes?

Many Fear Chronic Disease, but Not Enough to Change Their Diet, Risky Behavior

By Caroline Wilbert
WebMD Health News

March 24, 2009 -- American adults say that getting a chronic disease would be worse than getting a divorce or losing a job, yet they knowingly engage in behavior that can lead to diabetes.

A new survey, commissioned by the American Diabetes Association and conducted by Harris Interactive, shows that 52% of people rank the possibility of developing a chronic disease as worse than a whole host of other potential problems, such as losing a job, getting a divorce, or accumulating sizable debt. The study also shows that most adults are aware of risky behaviors that can lead to diabetes, but many cling to those behaviors anyway.

Sixty-six percent of adults say avoiding doctor visits is risky, but 50% do it anyway. Similarly, 70% of adults say that maintaining an unhealthy weight is risky, yet 46% of people admit that they are doing so.

Of the people who report they are extremely or very likely to develop diabetes, 83% know that being overweight or obese is a risk factor. Yet within this group, 67% say they still follow a poor diet and 62% say they maintain an unhealthy weight.

“We know Americans view activities like bungee jumping as especially risky and so they avoid them,” Richard M. Bergenstal, president elect of medicine and science of the American Diabetes Association, says in a written statement. “However, these same people are gambling daily by ignoring risk factors for a life-altering disease like diabetes and doing nothing about it.”

The survey was conducted in February and March and included 2, 516 U.S. residents, all at least 18 years old.

The survey was funded by the WellPoint Foundation, a nonprofit wholly funded by WellPoint Inc.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.