In 2011, 25.8 million Americans have diabetes and 7 million more people are undiagnosed. In addition to the 25.6 million adults suffering from the disease, 215,000 people under 20 also have diabetes. With another 79 million people at risk for diabetes and childhood obesity on the rise [1], diabetes education has never been more important. Diabetes patient education consists of understanding what diabetes means, knowing the risk factors linked to the disease, and paying attention to any diabetic symptoms. Taking part in a diabetes education program may help prevent you from becoming another statistic.

What is Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when your body is unable to manage your blood sugar levels on its own. In people with Type 1 diabetes, this happens because your body cannot produce insulin. While Type 1 diabetics possess an insulin deficiency, some patients with Type 2 are insulin resistant, meaning their bodies are unable to properly use insulin. If left unmanaged, high glucose levels can result in serious repercussions like hypertension, limb amputation, cancer or even death. Although diabetes is a life-threatening disease, if controlled, diabetics can lead healthy lives.

Risk Factors

Being aware of the risk factors associated with Type 1 and 2 diabetes is another important component in diabetes patient education. Type 1 diabetes is less common than Type 2 and is generally diagnosed before adulthood. This form of diabetes is either triggered by genetics or damage to the pancreas,which is responsible for producing insulin. Unfortunately, the exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown. Parents with a family history of Type 1 diabetes may want to have their children screened for the condition.

There are several risk factors connected to Type 2 diabetes, including obesity, prediabetes, ethnicity, and age. Obesity is the leading cause of insulin resistant diabetes because excessive fat can hinder your cells' response to insulin. This inhibits your body's ability to store or use glucose, causing an increase in blood sugar. Those with prediabetes are also at a greater risk for diabetes because their blood glucose levels are higher than an average person's.

Being Hispanic, African American, Native American or Asian American could also mean that you're more likely to suffer from the disease. Age is another common risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. If you're over the age of 40, you may want to have your doctor perform a diabetes diagnostic test. Possessing two or more risk factors may warrant a blood test. Talk with your physician about whether or not you should go in for one.

Symptoms

If you're one of the 7 million undiagnosed diabetics, paying attention to diabetes symptoms, as part of diabetes patient education, may lead to a diagnosis, reducing your risk for other health complications. Constant urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue could indicate that you have Type 1 diabetes. Although the symptoms for Type 1 diabetes are apparent, most Type 2 diabetics don't show any signs of the disease. However, Type 2 diabetics may experience Type 1 symptoms, infections or distorted vision. The ability to recognize these symptoms can help you begin your diabetes treatment.

Diabetes education teaches you what the risk factors and symptoms are for diabetes, making it easier for you to note any changes in your health. The earlier you start treating your diabetes, the less likely you'll succumb to its harmful effects.