VISN 8 MOVE and MOVEmployee - Health - Diabetes

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Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes Why is it Important to Control Blood Sugar?

Diabetes is one of the most common and most serious diseases in the United States. According to the American Diabetes Association, 20 million children and adults have the disease.  An estimated 14.6 million people have been diagnosed with it. Sadly, 6.2 million people do not know they have the disease.  Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot process starch and sugar. This causes sugar levels in the blood to rise.

Type 1 Diabetes

• Is also known as juvenile diabetes
• Usually develops before the age of 20
• The body does not make insulin  
• Is treated with daily insulin injections

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Type 2 Diabetes

• Most common in obese or overweight people
• Body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not use the low insulin produced
• Insulin is needed for the body to use sugar
• Sugar is fuel for the body

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Why is it Important to Control Blood Sugar?

High sugar levels can lead to medical complications like:

• Blindness
• Amputation
• Renal failure
• Heart disease

To control blood sugar:

• Eat right
• Exercise
• Don't smoke

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