Did you know that people with diabetes are at an increased risk for various bone and joint disorders? Anniston Orthopaedic Associates wants to recognize Diabetes Alert Day (March 28, 2023) in an effort to increase the awareness about symptoms of diabetes in order to empower patients to make the best choices as it relates to their healthcare.  Early detection and treatment of diabetes can make a significant difference in preventing complications from this common disease.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 8.5 million Americans, or 1 in 5 people, are unaware that they have diabetes.[1]  So, what are common symptoms of diabetes?  

Common symptoms of diabetes[2]:

• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Weight loss—even though you are eating more (type 1)
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

Speaking of “types” of diabetes, what’s the difference in Type 1 and Type 2?  In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks down the carbohydrates you eat into blood glucose (blood sugar) that it uses for energy—and insulin is a hormone that the body needs to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, everyone can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives.  Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes—and it means that your body doesn’t use insulin properly. [3]  A big key to managing Type 2 diabetes is diet and exercise.

The good news is, if you are in Calhoun or surrounding counties and have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you do not have to navigate your diagnosis alone.  Every two months, you can join a Diabetes Education Group at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center.  This is a completely free resource.  The group meets every other first Wednesday on the 1^st floor of the Tyler Center (731 Leighton Avenue, Anniston,AL.)  For more information, call Lesa Morris, Education Instructor at 256-235-5069.

[1] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/diabetes-alert-day

[2] https://diabetes.org/diabetes/type-1/symptoms

[3] https://diabetes.org/diabetes

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