Category Archives: Diabetes

By Al Pikeapike@fosters.com

DURHAM Nick Ritzo had to grow up fast. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 18 months, he didnt have a choice.

Despite the early responsibility of learning how to take care of his body, the Rye resident and Portsmouth High School graduate developed into an elite athlete along the way.

He won a state title in the shot put less than two years after taking it up and is currently one of the top throwers on the University of New Hampshire mens track and field team, which is getting ready for its outdoor season.

At this point Im pretty mature about it, Ritzo said of living with diabetes. I know how to do everything for myself but I definitely went through a phase where it was very difficult growing up when I didnt know how to do everything and I was very reliant on my parents and grandparents to really look after me.

Then again if someone develops it now its definitely a huge lifestyle change, he continued. Its never easy, but its also one of those illnesses thats not the end of the world. You can adapt. I think in the end its probably made me better for it. Im more mature and Im definitely healthier.

There were times, however, when he felt isolated. Although he had a strong support system at home, he had to become self-disciplined.

It was difficult, said the affable Ritzo. I remember as a kid having a little bit of a sweet tooth. It was always difficult controlling that, and going to friends houses and having to be very careful and being responsible for yourself for a few hours was always difficult. Theres times when you think about it and it seems like the most difficult thing in the world because its just happening to you.

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease that attacks the pancreas and its ability to produce insulin. It is not yet curable or preventable. Among the early symptoms are fatigue, excessive thirst and frequent urination.

There was never a time when I didnt have it, Ritzo said. Ive always been a pretty inquisitive guy. Its just another way to live your life. Its not really the end of the world. It can be difficult, but its manageable.

Ritzo, who wears an insulin pump and has to constantly monitor his blood sugar level and diet, is also an outstanding student. The junior carries a 3.94 grade-point average in genetics and might apply to medical school after he gets his undergraduate degree.

I knew that I wanted to do something science related, Ritzo said. I thought (genetics) was interesting stuff. I liked how it was new to the field of science where many discoveries were still occurring in the field. Its something that I really enjoy. Its definitely time-consuming and its difficult, but its something that really interests me so I dont mind putting in the time towards it. Its the same with track.

Hes also interested in endocrinology and has considered a career in pediatrics. Ritzo started taking courses in genetics when he was a sophomore at UNH.

Im a Type 1 diabetic so Ive always wanted to get into the field of endocrinology, Ritzo said. Its a big role and also just my interest in science and the fact that Ive been given a lot of opportunities that other people havent been given to go towards this field. Ive always felt like I shouldnt waste those opportunities to go help other people.

Balancing academics with athletics has been challenging but rewarding.

I wasnt too set on doing track here when I first came in, Ritzo said. Im a genetics major and thinking about pre-med. When I first came into school I was really focused on that. I wasnt positive I wanted to do track coming in. Its been a really good decision to do it. With having difficult classes it does give you that structure. Its really helpful especially for me because I get to go outside and throw heavy things around. Thats the oldest stress reliever there is.

Speaking of throwing heavy objects around, Ritzo is coming off a strong indoor season in which he finished fourth in the shot at the America East championship meet and eighth in the 35-pound weight, setting personal records in both events while scoring points for the team.

Hes a tremendous teammate for the other kids, said coach Jim Boulanger. Everybody likes him.

A shot-putter by trade, the 6-foot-5 Ritzo will also compete in the discus and javelin during the outdoor season. His height and arm length coupled with improved technique and athleticism enables him to get more distance on his throws.

A basketball player most of his life, Ritzo was recruited coach Mike Lyford to join the track and field team at Portsmouth High. Ritzo competed for the Clippers outdoors his junior year, and indoors and outdoors as a senior.

(Lyford) was really on my back about it because he thought I could be really good at it, Ritzo said. I guess he was right.

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College track: UNH's Ritzo manages academics, sports and diabetes - Seacoastonline.com

(CNN) Weight loss can be very difficult, especially if you have a lot of pounds to lose. However, the payoff is worth it and the young man youre about to meet is proof.

This is Justin Green and in 2016 he was diagnosed with type two diabetes. At the time, he weighed nearly 400 pounds. Ive lost 120 pounds so far. He recommended being more active and changing my diet.

Justins lifestyle changes didnt come easily. I probably eat less than a quarter of what I used to. Nothing fried, raw vegetables.

Dr. Omotayo Akinmade, a Primary Care Physician at Piedmont Henry Hospital said, We always encourage diabetics to reduce your calories and reduce your carb intake but also only eat when they have to when theyre hungry. Its overeating that leads to an uncontrolled blood sugar.

Justin says his weight loss has improved his overall health and he no longer has to take medication or check his blood sugar. The diagnosis was technically reversed but I consider myself a non-practicing diabetic.

Dr. Akinmade said, Its not uncommon for patients who are very well motivated who have lost significant weight and have change their lifestyle to have a reversal in their blood sugar.

Justins advice for anyone trying to manage their diabetes is to never give up. Feel better in the process and maybe you can bring somebody else along with you.

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One man's journey from diabetes to a lifestyle change - wwlp.com

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) -- Diabetes causes more deaths every year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.

And health officials want you to see if you're at risk for the disease. Tuesday, March 28, was American Diabetes Association Alert Day.

Having diabetes nearly doubles your chance of having a heart attack. Some risk factors for the disease include a family history of diabetes, being over the age of 45, being overweight, a poor diet and not being physically active.

But, health officials say having good diabetes control can reduce your risk for diabetes complications.

"Maintaining a good nutritious diet, maintaining an active lifestyle are key. We can prevent diabetes by doing that," said Dr. Frank Schwartz, a physician in Parkersburg, West Virginia. "And it's going to take a paradigm shift in our country in terms of the food we eat. You know, my grandmother used to say you are what you eat, and it's important to eat fresh vegetables and fresh fruits and avoid packaged foods."

According to the American Diabetes Association, 9 out of 10 Americans most at risk for type 2 diabetes don't even know it.

It takes just one minute to know if you're at risk, by taking the American Diabetes Association's Type 2 Diabetes Test, at the link under the "Related Links" section of this article.

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Doctors encourage everyone to get diabetes testing - KALB News (press release)

Staying healthy can be a challenge for everyone, especially as we age, but for those managing diabetes, keeping aware of changes in your health is critical. According to the CDC, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death and can lead to permanent disability and serious health issues.

As a registered nurse and the leader of Partners in Care, a licensed home care agency serving the nations largest city, I know that our skilled nurses and licensed home health aides are trained to meet the specialized care needs of our clients diagnosed with diabetes. But even when a patient is doing everything rightmanaging blood sugar levels, exercising, eating healthya host of complications can surface, such as heart problems, nerve damage or blindness. It is important to stay in the know on these common diabetes-related complications and know what to watch out for.

Here are five common complications from diabetes:

Heart DiseaseAccording to the ADA, approximately two out of three people living with diabetes die of heart disease. Diabetes affects cholesterol levels and raises the bad cholesterol while lowering the good cholesterol. When this coadition happens, arteries are narrowed by a buildup of fatty materials, and the chances of having a heart attack or stroke double. If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, pain or discomfort in the arms, back, jaw or neck, or have nausea with exertion, call your doctor or 911.

NeuropathyIt is likely that almost half of people with diabetes have nerve damage, according to the ADA. This condition causes loss of sensation, and it makes it easier to injure yourself without noticing. Additionally, poor circulation and neuropathy leads to a compromised immune systemyour body cant fight off infection or heal from wounds quickly. Although not everyone will suffer from neuropathy, be sure to control your blood glucose levels and report symptoms to your doctor.

Foot ProblemsPoor circulation and nerve damage can lead to infections of the footsometimes serious ones that spread to the bone, leading to amputation. When you notice a cut or other injury on your foot, keep it clean and notify your doctor immediately. You can also avoid infections by keeping toenails short, wearing comfortable shoes and scheduling regular checkups with a podiatrist.

RetinopathyEye trouble is common among people living with diabetes. Some symptoms to watch out for include black smudges on the eye, blurred vision, sudden loss of vision in one eye, seeing rings around lights, dark spots and flashing lights. Again, by managing blood glucose levels you can avoid damage to your eyes, and you should also consider annual eye exams by a retina specialist.

Kidney FailureAccording to the National Institutes of Health, diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure. Although it takes approximately 15 years to develop, it is a slow-growing problem that those living with diabetes should monitor. Pay attention to fatigue, an increase in urination frequency, lack of concentration, sleep trouble, muscle cramping at night, lack of appetite, eye puffiness and swollen feet/ankles. You can also get routine tests to monitor kidney function.

Today, 26 million Americans are living with the disease, but by 2050, as many as one in three adults could be living with the diseasekeep yourself protected and informed. For more information on diabetes care, please visit http://www.partnersincareny.org or call 1-888-735-8913.

Jennifer Rajewski, RN, is a senior vice president at Partners in Care, an affiliate of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York.

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Diabetes alert: Will you pass the test? - Amsterdam News

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Physical activity, in whatever form you enjoy, is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle and can have long-term benefits, especially for individuals with either type of diabetes. Regular exercise can not only set you on the path to improve your blood pressure and cholesterol, but it has also been proven to help lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. Exercise can also help you sleep better, improve your mood and reduce stress.

Aerobic exercises, such as walking, swimming, biking and jogging, have been proven to improve glucose control, cardiovascular risk factors and help lower blood sugar levels. It is recommended that individuals participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise, or 90 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. Find an activity that you enjoy and do it! Practicing a form of exercise you like will help you stay motivated and will improve your mood better than an exercise you dislike.

Resistance, or strength training, is also a great way to help improve insulin sensitivity and boost your metabolism. Strength training is also a good option for individuals with other health concerns that make it unsafe to participate in aerobic exercises. It helps increase lean muscle mass, which burns more calories while the body is at rest, and improves bone mineral density that helps fight osteoporosis. It is recommended that an individual practices resistance training two to three times a week, incorporating eight to ten exercises of ten to fifteen repetitions each.

Before beginning any exercise routine, it is always important to consult with a healthcare professional to approach fitness in the safest, most beneficial way. The team of registered dieticians and diabetes educators at the Cone Health Nutrition and Diabetes Management Center is dedicated to educating diabetic patients throughout the community on how to manage their disease through proper nutrition and exercise.

Spokesperson Background:

Laura Watson is a registered dietitian specializing in pediatric nutrition at the Cone Health Nutrition and Diabetes Management Center. Laura received a Bachelor of Science in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2007 and earned a Master of Science in nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2009.

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Diabetes: The Importance of Exercise - myfox8.com

By Kendra Penningroth | Cronkite News Wednesday, March 29, 2017

WASHINGTON Alton Villegas offered an unusual call to action Wednesday for an 11-year-old boy: Destroy the ice cream man.

Alton is a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community where nearly 10 percent of tribal members have Type 2 diabetes, including members of his family.

My mom and my grandma have diabetes, a lot of people in Salt River have diabetes, sadly, said Alton, who has been diagnosed as pre-diabetic. I think a lot of people have diabetes because they dont eat healthy and they dont exercise.

Thats what brought Alton to Washington Wednesday, where he was the youngest of six witnesses urging the Senate Indian Affairs Committee to reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program for Indians.

The program grants $150 million a year to about 300 programs that push diabetes prevention to tribes in 35 states, said Rear Adm. Chris Buchanan, acting director of the Indian Health Service. The program will end after September if it is not reauthorized.

Since the program began in 1997, tribal obesity rates have remained stubbornly high, said Sen. John Hoeven, R-North Dakota. He said Native Americans still have a greater chance of being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes than any other group in America, and that diabetes is their fifth-leading cause of death.

But Hoeven, the committee chairman, also acknowledged at the hearing that the grants have helped lower diabetes and its complications, such as limb amputations, heart disease and kidney failure. But theres still more work to be done.

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, like other grantees, uses its grant to educate families on the benefits of exercise and balanced diets, offering free family-oriented exercise classes and programs that promote healthy lifestyles.

After a 6-year-old on the reservation was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes about three years ago, the tribal council began more screening at schools and found 52 percent of students were above the 95th percentile for weight.

When a screening showed that Alton was at risk for Type 2 diabetes, his family learned that he qualified for the Youth Wellness Camp in Prescott. Grant money from the federal program lets the tribe send at-risk youth to the camp.

I wanted to be healthier, so I went to camp, Alton said. I wanted to be able to help my mom and my grandma be healthier.

The healthy eating and daily exercise at camp helped Alton lose almost 16 pounds. His mother, Felicia Jimerson, said that Altons new outlook on eating healthy and exercising is rubbing off on her three other kids.

Alton said that he tries to help his family and friends make healthier decisions, but they do not always listen.

I tell them all the time but not a lot of people care, cause that means they have to give up Hot Cheetos, said Alton, who has seen his friends buy at least four bags of the snack a day from the ice cream man.

We must destroy the ice cream man! Alton told the committee, to laughter.

Rachel Seepie, another member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community who testified Wednesday, credits some of her success against her Type 2 diabetes to educational programs funded by the grant program.

After initially managing her condition with medication, she decided to turn instead to exercise and eating well. That has helped her lose weight, lower her blood sugar, decrease her average heart rate and complete two Iron Man triathlons, Seepie said.

Now, she is a senior fitness specialist with the Diabetes Service Program and teaches group exercise classes on the reservation.

My vision is that the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and our members will learn how to become healthier, and they will have long full lives without Type 2 diabetes, Seepie told the committee.

Jimerson said after the hearing that can only happen if the gran program is reauthorized.

I think if they can continue that funding, its definitely going to make a change, she said. If that funding goes away, were in huge trouble.

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Arizona youth joins tribal officials to push for diabetes program funds - Cronkite News

March 30, 2017 Compared to individuals with a lower consumption of total legumes -- lentils, chickpeas, beans and peas -- individuals with a higher consumption had a 35% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Credit: CSIRO

Legumes are a food group rich in B vitamins, contain different beneficial minerals (calcium, potassium and magnesium) and sizeable amounts of fibre and are regarded as a low-glycemic index food, which means that blood glucose levels increase only slowly after consumption. Due to these unique nutritional qualities, eating legumes regularly can help improve human health. In fact, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) declared 2016 as the international year of legumes to raise people's awareness of their nutritional benefits.

Although legumes have long been though to offer protection against type 2 diabetes (which is a significant health problem worldwide affecting more than 400 million adults in 2015), to date there has been little research to confirm this association.

To increase the general level of knowledge in this area, researchers from the URV's Human Nutrition Unit in collaboration with other research groups in the PREDIMED study evaluated the association between the consumption of the different sub-types of non-soy legumes and the risk of type 2 diabetes among individuals at high cardiovascular risk. They also evaluated the effect of replacing other protein- and carbohydrate-rich foods with legumes on the development of the disease.

Researchers analysed 3349 participants at high risk of cardiovascular disease but without type 2 diabetes at the beginning of the PREDIMED study. After 4 years of follow-up, the results have revealed that compared to individuals with a lower consumption of total legumeslentils, chickpeas, beans and peas- (12.73 grams/day, approximately equivalent to 1.5 servings per week of 60g of raw legumes), individuals with a higher consumption (28.75 grams/day, equivalent to 3,35 servings/week) had a 35% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Of the different subtypes of legume, lentils in particular were associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Those participants who had a higher consumption of lentils during the follow-up (nearly 1 serving/week) compare to those individuals with a lower consumption (less than half a serving per week), had a 33% lower risk of developing the disease. The researchers also found that the effect of replacing half a serving/day of foods rich in protein or carbohydrates, including eggs, bread, rice and baked potato, for half a serving/day of legumes was also associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes incidence.

The researchers highlight the importance of consuming legumes to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, but state that further research must be conducted in other populations to confirm these results.

Explore further: Consuming saturated animal fats increases the risk of type 2 diabetes

More information: Nerea Becerra-Toms et al, Legume consumption is inversely associated with type 2 diabetes incidence in adults: a prospective assessment from the PREDIMED study, Clinical Nutrition (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2017.03.015

Provided by: Universitat Rovira i Virgili

Recently, dietary guidelines for the general population have shifted toward a plant-based diet rich in legumes, whole-grain cereals, fruits, vegetables and nuts, and low in animal-based foods like red meat. Increasing evidence ...

Eating more gluten may be associated with a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention / Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health ...

Consuming a plant-based dietespecially one rich in high-quality plant foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumesis linked with substantially lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according ...

Eating just 1 serving daily of legumes such as beans, chickpeas, lentils and peas can significantly reduce "bad cholesterol" and the risk of heart disease, found a study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Eating more legumes (such as beans, chickpeas or lentils) as part of a low-glycemic index diet appears to improve glycemic control and reduce estimated coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus ...

Women who eat more potatoes before pregnancy may have higher rates of gestational diabetesthe form that occurs during pregnancycompared to women who consume fewer potatoes, suggests a National Institutes of Health (NIH) ...

Scientists may have found a new tool for studyingand maybe even treatingType 2 diabetes, the form of diabetes considered responsible for close to 95 percent of cases in the United States.

With a series of new grants, Saint Louis University researchers will tackle the twin epidemics of diabetes and obesity by tapping into the potential of two nuclear receptors that control muscle metabolism. The scientists ...

For parents, storing their newborn baby's umbilical cord blood is a way to preserve potentially lifesaving cells. Now, a group of University of Florida Health researchers has found a way to expand and preserve certain cord-blood ...

How do mammals keep two biologically crucial metabolites in balance during times when they are feeding, sleeping, and fasting? The answer may require rewriting some textbooks.

Daily screen time of three or more hours is linked to several risk factors associated with the development of diabetes in children, finds research published online in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.

Jason Dyck has long believed in the beneficial properties of resveratrola powerful antioxidant produced by some plants to protect against environmental stresses. The professor of pediatrics at the University of Alberta ...

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Consumption of legumes associated with lower risk of diabetes - Medical Xpress

Have you been diagnosed with prediabetes? Do you have a family history of diabetes that you fear may impact you in the future?

Often times, doctors like to "watch" patients who have risk factors for diabetes, including being overweight and having slightly elevated blood sugars, because there hasn't been a place for these patients to learn more on how to stay well until now.

The Wellness Neighborhood of Tahoe Forest Health System is proud to offer Prevent T2, part of the CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program that has been shown to help at-risk adults cut their risk for developing type 2 diabetes by 58%.

Beginning in April, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist will be leading the Prevent T2 lifestyle change program at Tahoe-Truckee at low cost for participants. A payment plan will also be available.

This program is unique in that it targets people who do not have diabetes, and who even may not have been told by a doctor that they have prediabetes.

Did you know that roughly one in three American adults has prediabetes, and many don't know it? People with higher-than-normal blood glucose (sugar) levels are 5-15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood glucose levels.

In fact, many people with prediabetes can be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within 5 years.

The Prevent T2 program offers a proven approach to preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest lifestyle changes made with the support of a coach and one's peers.

Participants will learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. The group will meet for a year weekly for the first 6 months, then once or twice a month for the second 6 months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes.

The program's group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes. Together participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.

To find out if you are at risk for, or may have, prediabetes, take the risk test (available in English and Spanish) at doihaveprediabetes.org or visit your primary care physician to get the appropriate screening blood tests.

You do not need a referral from you medical provider to participate in the Prevent T2 program, but you do need to qualify based on eligibility criteria (overweight and elevated blood sugars or a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes) or a score of 5 or higher on the risk test noted above.

To learn more about the Tahoe Forest Prevent T2 program, contact the Center for Health and Sports Performance at 530-587-3769.

Dana Dose, RDN, LD, CDE. Dana is part of the Rethink Healthy team and provides nutrition counseling as well as clinical dietitian services for the Tahoe Forest Health System. Dana will be the trained lifestyle coach for the upcoming Prevent T2 Diabetes Prevention Program.

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Low-cost diabetes prevention program coming to Tahoe Forest Health System - Sierra Sun

COLUMBUS, Ga Columbus is one of eight sites in the world participating in a groundbreaking study in the war against Type 1 Diabetes.

If you look at it from the perspective our community, I dont believe theres ever been a study of this magnitude at this stage of development that is this profound awarded to Columbus, Georgia, says Dr. Steven Leichter, Senior Physician at Endocrine Consultants.

The study focuses on restorative therapy to keep insulin levels maintained or restored using a certain drug that would trick the body into a permanent honeymoon period. During the honeymoon period, the amount of insulin needed to treat diabetes sufferers is low.

If the results of the study prove successful, it could lead to a revolution in the treatment for Type 1 Diabetes.

If we get kids early enough in Type I Diabetes, while they still have some beta cells left, and we give them this drug. It will block the anti-bodies from killing the remaining beta cells, and theyll remain in honeymoon ongoing which will make them very easy to treat, says Dr. Leichter.

Columbus was selected in large part due to the research and growth of Endocrine Consultants. Over the past 21 years, the practice has grown to be one of largest endocrine diabetes centers in Georgia, and the largest in western Georgia.

However, Endocrine Consultants is quick to credit the collaborative nature of the medical community in Columbus for making groundbreaking research such as this possible in our area.

This initial study should take about two years. Two of the participants are local patients.

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Columbus among 8 world sites chosen for groundbreaking pediatric diabetes research - WRBL

As a former NFL player, ESPNS Mike Golic is used to talking sports news and game drama on his radio show Mike and Mike in the Morning. Now, he's discussing a more serious topic, type 2 diabetes. Since being diagnosed with the disease 12 years ago, Golic has been on a mission to raise awareness and help people learn how to manage their blood sugar.

My advice to people with type 2 diabetes is get everybody involved in your life. Its not something to run from, hide from, [and] keep it a secret from everybody else. Youve been diagnosed with it, you have to deal with it, Mike Golic, now 54, told Fox News.

Golic admitted that during his time as a defensive lineman he never thought anything could be physically wrong with him other than a few bruises or tears. But in the back of his mind, he knew his father had type 2 diabetes, which raised his risk.

While it was a, Oh man there was like a Yeah, OK, my dad was right about this age when he was diagnosed, so while it was surprising it wasnt shocking, he said.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), having a parent or sibling with the disease can increase your risk. Other risk factors include being overweight, having an unhealthy diet and high blood pressure.

Growing up, Golic said his father kept his condition to himself and didnt talk about it with his family.

It was just kind of his thing to deal with, he said. But I wanted to be very proactive and involve my wife, involve my family, I have three kids [and] two boys are large football players whose grandfather had type 2 diabetes and I have type 2 diabetes, so I wanted to keep them in the loop on this and what needed to be done."

After teaming up with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Golic and his doctors came up with a game plan to keep his blood sugar levels in check. Type 2 diabetes can be treated with a variety of different medications. He turned to INVOKANA (canagliflozin), a prescription medicine his doctor recommended.

In addition to medicine, eating healthy and regularly exercising can also help manage the disease.

If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can cause serious and even deadly complications.

You can have retinopathy or eye disease, you can have kidney disease and ultimately it can lead to kidney failure and you can have neuropathy which is a disease of the nerve ending which ultimately can cause amputations, Dr. John Anderson, a board-certified Internist at Frist Clinic in Nashville, Tenn., told Fox News. Youre also a 2- to 3-fold increase risk of heart attack and stroke.

Early diagnosis should be accessible during routine exams or physicals when physicians check a patients blood sugar level. But other signs and symptoms may include thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue and weight loss, Anderson said.

We have about 89 million people in the country with prediabetes, that means their numbers are not quite in the range that youd diagnose diabetes but theyre on their way, Anderson who is a long-time volunteer for the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and has served as Chair of National Advocacy said. Thats why you need to be seeing your health care professional, getting your screenings, getting your glucoses checked, being proactive.

Today, Golic gets his A1C1 test, a blood test that measures the average level of glucose in the blood,every three-to-four months and has kept his diabetes under control.

This is a situation that can have some complications in your life if you dont treat it the right way, so why not get people involved, why not start with your doctor OK this is the game plan, and then you go to the people in your family this is the game plan my doctor gave me, this is what I need to do and I need all your help to do it, Golic said.

For more information visit ICanImagine.com.

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How ESPN's radio host Mike Golic controls his type 2 diabetes - Fox News