Diabetes Symptoms Diabetes is one of the most prevalent and serious diseases in America, affecting 24 million people. If it is not well cared for, diabetes can lead to heart and kidney disease, amputation, blindness, stroke and even death.

People with diabetes can avoid many of these problems with the appropriate medical care from a primary care physician, education, and lifestyle changes to help manage the diabetes. Studies show that people with diabetes do better when they have help from a healthcare team, such as the skilled diabetes specialistsat the Novo Nordisk Diabetes Center at CentraState.

A recent landmark national study has also found that people at an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, including those who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, can prevent the progression of diabetes with proper diet and exercise.

You may have diabetes symptoms and not know it. Diabetes symptoms can sometimes go unnoticed for a period of time. If you have ever been told that you have "borderline diabetes" or that your blood sugar is high by your primary care physician, you should be tested for diabetes. Having your blood sugar tested by a doctor is the only way to know for sure if you have diabetes. A person suffering from diabetes symptoms can experience:

• Excess weight
• Frequent thirst and urination
• Tingling, burning or numbness in toes and feet
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision.

Other preexisting or hereditary factors can also cause a person to have an increased chance of developing diabetes. Look at the statements listed below. If more than three statements apply to you, you may be at high risk for diabetes. Call your CentraState primary care physician for a blood sugar test.

• I am over 40 years old.
• I am African-American, Latino, Native American, or Asian.
• I have had more than one baby who weighed more than nine pounds.
• I do not get regular exercise.
• I have a parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt, or uncle who has/had diabetes.

If you feel like you may be at risk for diabetes or may be experiencing diabetes symptoms, please contact one of CentraState’s primary care physicians at 866-CENTRA7 (236-8727) or www.centrastate.com/primarycare. You can call the Novo Nordisk Diabetes Center at (732) 294-2574.