The dangers of diabetes – Carlsbad Current-Argus

Julio Munoz, M.D., FACP 1:04 a.m. MT March 25, 2017

Julio Munoz MD(Photo: Courtesy Photo)

Diabetes affects nearly 30 million people in the United States a stunning 10 percent of the overall population. And recent research reveals that diabetes is now the third leading cause of death, not the seventh, as was previously thought. Perhaps the most concerning statistic is that one in four persons living with diabetes is unaware that they have the disease.

The American Diabetes Association sponsors Diabetes Alert Day to serve as an annual wake-up call. The organization wants to remind Americans about the seriousness and prevalence of diabetes, particularly when the disease is left un-diagnosed or untreated. This year, Diabetes Alert Day is Tuesday, March 28.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes in this country has tripled in the last twenty years. The adoption of sugary diets and sedentary lifestyles has caused the disease to reach epidemic proportions. On the positive side, this condition doesnt have to be a death sentence. Its almost always avoidable, and even reversible, with serious lifestyle changes.

Researchers estimate that, if current trends continue, one in three Americans will have diabetes by the year 2050. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to kidney failure, limb amputations, blindness, and even death. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to preventing irreversible damage to your health and longevity, so awareness and access to care are the key areas of focus.

Here are the top five ways to keep blood sugar at healthy levels, and to keep type 2 diabetes from impacting you and your loved ones:

If you have a family history of diabetes, you are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes yourself. Also, the condition is more common in African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders. Above-average body weight increases diabetes risk for people of all backgrounds.

Only your doctor can tell for sure if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic. As part of your annual health physical, be sure to talk to your doctor about the results of your fasting blood sugar and A1C tests. If your numbers are heading in the wrong direction, you can act quickly to get back on the right track.

If you need assistance in diagnosing or managing your metabolic health, or you just need to be connected with a primary care physician, contact Pecos Valley Internal Medicine at 575-234-9692 or visit http://www.PecosValleyDocs.com.

I would also like to take this opportunity to invite the public to a free Diabetes seminar on Thursday, March 30, at 3p.m. at Carlsbad Medical Center in the private dining room. The seminar will be presented by Susan Dade, RD, LD, CDE and Danielle Weathers, RD, LD, and will include information on healthy diets and eating habits for those living with Diabetes. For more information on the seminar, please call 575-628-5069.

Dr. Julio Munoz is a board certified internal medicine physician with over 30 years of experience.He received his medical degree from Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and completed his residency at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center in Bronx, NY. In addition to being certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Munoz is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP). He is a member of the medical staff at Carlsbad Medical Center.

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The dangers of diabetes - Carlsbad Current-Argus