Diabetes Information

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 17 million people in the United States, and one of every three persons born in the United States is at risk for developing the disease.

Diabetes is a chronic disease where a person has elevated blood sugar. This is due to the body's inability to make insulin, or to use its own insulin effectively. Left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to several complications, including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and amputations. There are at least eleven medications (including insulin) that are available to control diabetes.

If you have diabetes:

• Exercise regularly (a minimum of walking three times per week for 20-30 minutes).
• Make healthy decisions in your food choices, like limiting the amount of simple carbohydrates (sweets, breads) and fatty and fried foods that you consume.
• Attend diabetes-education classes, so that you can learn to monitor your blood sugars and watch for complications.
• Have your children and siblings regularly tested for diabetes, and encourage them to maintain healthy lifestyle choices.
• Visit your physician at least three to four times yearly so that he/she can monitor your diabetes control, and suggest changes to your medication as necessary.

If you do not have diabetes:

• Determine if you are at risk, which includes: parents or siblings with diabetes; obesity; African-American, Asian, Latino or Native American ancestry; and elevated blood sugars during pregnancy.
• Adopt healthy eating habits, exercise regularly, and make attempts to loose weight.
• Undergo diabetes testing at least once a year. 

This information was provided by Kevin McKinney, MD, FACP, FACE, Minority Affairs Consortium Governing Council Chair. Dr. McKinney specializes in endocrinology.

Disclaimer: This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not indicate endorsement by the AMA. Contact your physician if you have a medical or health concern.

AMA Diabetes-Related Policy

Provides information on AMA policy related to diabetes.

Diabetes Resource Links

Provides resource links for information on diabetes.