(Santa Fe) – The New Mexico Department of Health Diabetes Prevention and Control Program and the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) are encouraging people with diabetes or prediabetes to take steps to a healthier you.
The New Mexico Department of Health reports that diabetes affects more than 170,000 adults statewide. That’s one 1 out of every 8 adults. Nationwide, 29.1 million people or 9.3 percent of the U.S. population have diabetes, according to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"New Mexicans can prevent or reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes by making lasting lifestyle changes and maintaining a healthy weight," said Department of Health Secretary Retta Ward, MPH. "It is important for all residents to learn about their risk for developing diabetes and take action to lower their risk."
You are at increased risk for diabetes if:
- You are overweight.
- You are physically inactive.
- A parent, brother or sister has diabetes.
- You are Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, African American or Pacific
- Islander.
- You had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds or had gestational diabetes.
- You have high blood pressure.
- You have low HDL (good cholesterol).
- You have high triglycerides.
Warning signs include frequent trips to the bathroom, unquenchable thirst, losing weight without trying, weakness or fatigue, tingling or numbness in your hands, legs or feet and more. Symptoms can also include blurred vision, itchy or dry skin, cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal.
Taking control of diabetes is more complicated than simply popping a pill. It involves the careful balancing act of nutrition, exercise and, sometimes, medication. That’s why you’re better off knowing your risks and taking action to prevent diabetes. To assess your risk, go to http://ndep.nih.gov/am-i-at-risk/diabetes-risk-test.aspx.